On July 4, a shocking fire at Vishal Mega Mart in Karol Bagh turned deadly when 26-year-old UPSC aspirant Kunwar Dhirendra Vikram lost his life after getting trapped in a lift. His brother, Virendra Vikram, has now taken the matter to court, calling it a brother fight for justice. He filed a complaint in Tis Hazari Court against the mart’s management, police, and fire officials, alleging their negligence caused his brother’s death.
The complaint outlines many failures. There was no emergency system, no fire safety protocol, and no evacuation effort. Worse still, officials claimed the lift was empty while Dhirendra was trapped inside. Virendra believes this was not just an accident but a case of culpable homicide.
According to legal papers, Dhirendra entered the mart at 6:30 pm to buy groceries. When the fire broke out, staff switched off the electricity and abandoned the building, leaving customers behind. Dhirendra called Virendra on WhatsApp, gasping for breath and pleading for help. He said thick smoke filled the lift and he could not breathe. Despite the family’s repeated appeals, no one tried to save him.
The complaint highlights serious violations at Vishal Mega Mart. The lift had no panic button or ventilation, and the building had no emergency exit. It also lacked a fire NOC and proper licenses. Rescuers found Dhirendra’s body after more than seven hours. By then, he had suffocated.
Adding to suspicions, the mall owner filed an insurance claim the very next day, raising questions about management’s intentions. Past Delhi fire tragedies like the Mundka fire and Hotel Arpit Palace fire showed a similar pattern, where negligence caused mass deaths. Virendra questions why his brother’s case should be treated differently.
Despite filing a written complaint on July 5, the police have not registered an FIR. The family claims this shows clear lapses in accountability. The court has set November 3 as the next hearing date. Advocate Rudra Vikram Singh argued that investigators should interrogate officials from the fire department, MCD, Jal Board, and electricity providers.
This case is more than one family’s grief. It reflects a wider problem of poor fire safety in commercial spaces across Delhi and Punjab. A Punjab Fire Service report already warns that many buildings ignore safety rules, putting lives at constant risk.
The family’s struggle highlights the urgent need for stricter laws and better enforcement. Customers must feel safe inside malls, offices, and markets. Without change, such tragedies will keep repeating.
In conclusion, this heartbreaking case at Vishal Mega Mart is not just about one victim, it is about accountability, safety, and the urgent call for reform. Above all, it is a brother fight for justice, a battle that could shape how India prevents such disasters in the future.
