Delhi police constables felicitated, given out-of-turn promotion for saving lives during hotel fire, building collapse
New Delhi, June 13
Two Delhi Police constables were given out-of-turn promotion and several others honoured with Asadharan Karya Puraskar by Police Commissioner Satish Golchha on Saturday, for their act of bravery and daring rescue during twin incidents of hotel fire in Malviya Nagar and building collapse in Saket, last month. Both incidents resulted in significant loss of lives; however, the damage was contained to some extent due to the bravery of locals and rescuers, including Delhi police personnel.
The two constables, namely Angad Singh Meena and Manish Kumar, were given out-of-turn promotion for putting their lives at risk to save people trapped in the debris. Both policemen, presently stationed at Mehrauli police station, have been promoted to their next rank of Head Constable.
The felicitation ceremony was held at Police Headquarters in the capital, where Police Commissioner Satish Golchha honoured the constables for their exemplary and commendable service in the line of duty.
At least six people lost their lives during a building collapse in South Delhi's Saidulajab (Saket) on May 30. The building, housing a coaching centre, a café, and several offices, collapsed, killing six people and injuring several others. Construction work was reportedly in progress on the upper floors at the time of the incident.
The police personnel entered deep into the debris and successfully rescued trapped persons, besides assisting in rescue and evacuation efforts, thereby helping save several lives, despite severe risk to their own safety.
The Commissioner of Police also conferred the prestigious Asadharan Karya Puraskar, along with a cash reward of ₹50,000/- each, upon police personnel of South District for their exceptional courage, dedication, and outstanding service during the major fire incident that engulfed the Flourish Stay hotel in Malviya Nagar on June 6.
The deadly inferno left many charred to death and left many trapped inside the building. It was due to some prompt and courageous response of Delhi Police personnel, in close coordination with the Fire Brigade and other emergency services, that multiple persons, including foreign nationals, were rescued.
Those who received the honour included SI (Exe.) Ram Kishan, HC (Exe.) Kartar, HC (Exe.) Hargyan, HC (Exe.) Dinesh Kumar, HC (Exe.) Sampat, Ct. (Exe.) Surender, Ct. (Exe.) Ravi Kant and Ct. (Exe.) Sanjay.
A day ago, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also felicitated rescuers and local people who saved lives in the recent Malviya Nagar fire tragedy and the Saidulajab building collapse.
At a special programme held at the Delhi Secretariat, she met and honoured citizens, police personnel, administrative officials and rescue workers who risked their own lives to save others. The bravehearts were also presented with commendation certificates and cheques of Rs 21,000 each for their efforts.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm so proud of our police force! Constables Angad Singh Meena and Manish Kumar are true heroes. But this tragedy could have been avoided if authorities had checked the illegal construction. Someone needs to be held accountable for the building collapse. Rewarding rescuers is good, but preventing disasters is better.
This is inspiring. In the US we too often overlook our first responders. Out-of-turn promotions and cash rewards are a great way to motivate more bravery. I just hope Delhi also improves building safety standards—6 deaths is a heavy price for progress. Good on CM Rekha Gupta for adding another layer of recognition.
As a Delhi resident, I've seen our cops work under immense pressure with limited resources. These constables went into rubble without hesitation—pure guts. The Asadharan Karya Puraskar is well deserved. But I'm disappointed that the article doesn't mention if the building owner or hotel management faced any action. Accountability matters too.
Exceptional courage! These police personnel are the real backbone of society. The ₹50,000 reward is a nice gesture, but I hope their future careers are also supported with proper training and equipment. Also, rescuing foreign nationals shows India's commitment to global safety. Kudos to everyone involved!
Heartwarming to see our police get recognized, but it's bittersweet. My cousin was in that Malviya Nagar hotel fire—thankfully rescued by these bravehearts. I just wish the building had proper fire escapes and alarms. Let's not make heroes out of rescuers because of negligence
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