In a gesture of mourning, jewellers at Gulzar Houz, Hyderabad, closed their shops on Monday following the deadly fire that claimed 17 lives.
| Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR

The Telangana State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of the fire that claimed 17 lives at Gulzar Houz, near Charminar, on May 18 and sought explanations from top officials over possible lapses in safety and preparedness.

Acting on media reports highlighting the tragedy, the Commission observed that there may have been gross negligence in building safety, electrical upkeep and fire-readiness on the premises, a commercial-cum-residential structure that went up in flames following a short circuit in a wooden electric panel board.

In a notice issued on Monday, the Commission directed the Chief Secretary of Telangana, the Hyderabad Police Commissioner, Director General of the Fire Department, and the Chief Engineer of the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) to submit detailed reports on the incident. These submissions are expected before the next date of hearing.

“The Commission is committed to ensuring accountability and safeguarding the right to life and safety of citizens,” it said in a statement.

The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday, is believed to have started at the entrance of the building, where the electrical panel was located. It left little chance for those inside — members of the Modi family who had gathered for a wedding — to escape.