August 17, 2026
‘We’ll always do die do together’: Huma Qureshi hard-launches rumoured boyfriend Rachit Singh on Instagram and his response is too cute to miss

‘We’ll always do die do together’: Huma Qureshi hard-launches rumoured boyfriend Rachit Singh on Instagram and his response is too cute to miss

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Huma Qureshi penned a heartfelt appreciation post for rumoured boyfriend Rachit Singh on Instagram, praising his patience, hard work, and dedication over the years. Rachit responded in the comments, thanking Huma for hard-launching him and calling her his truest supporter. The two will be seen together in ‘Baby Do Die Do’. Huma Qureshi recently took…

Read More
‘RSS most misunderstood’: Mohan Bhagwat explains best way to understand Sangh | India News

‘RSS most misunderstood’: Mohan Bhagwat explains best way to understand Sangh | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Saturday said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was the largest voluntary organisation in the world but also “the most misunderstood”.Addressing an event held as part of the RSS centenary celebrations, Bhagwat said the programme had been organised to help people gain a better understanding of the organisation, which he…

Read More
A 39-year-old woman from West Bengal’s Birbhum district has been rescued from an apartment in Gurugram, where she was allegedly confined and forced to work as a domestic help for more than two years under abusive conditions.The rescue was carried out on Friday through a coordinated effort involving West Bengal Police, district authorities, civil society groups and local officials in Haryana, PTI reported.Allegedly forced to work 16 hours a dayAccording to police, Bhadu Mandi had been taken to Gurugram after an advance payment of ₹40,000 was made to secure her employment as a domestic worker.Once there, she was allegedly made to work for over 16 hours daily, subjected to physical abuse and prevented from leaving the apartment.Authorities said the residence had a highly digitised security system, leaving her with little opportunity to contact her family.How the case came to lightThe case surfaced in March when Bhadu’s sister, Lakshmi Tudu, approached authorities in Birbhum seeking help.Family members said Bhadu managed to contact them only when a technician visited the apartment for repair work.An NGO, Nari O Sishu Kalyan Kendra, subsequently coordinated with government agencies to pursue the case. An FIR was later registered at Illambazar Police Station under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).A West Bengal Police team later travelled to Gurugram and rescued the woman.Apartment owners abscondingPolice said the owners of the apartment were found absconding during the rescue operation. Notices have been pasted at the residence directing them to appear before local authorities.Bhadu is expected to return to West Bengal on Sunday, after which her statement will be recorded.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAssam Notifies New Excise Rules With Stricter Liquor Norms And Support For Indigenous BeveragesGovernment Appoints Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth As Next Army Chief, To Take Charge On June 30India, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter JetsEl Nino Officially Sets In Over Pacific Ocean, IMD Warns Of Further Strengthening During MonsoonDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young Woman123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

A 39-year-old woman from West Bengal’s Birbhum district has been rescued from an apartment in Gurugram, where she was allegedly confined and forced to work as a domestic help for more than two years under abusive conditions.The rescue was carried out on Friday through a coordinated effort involving West Bengal Police, district authorities, civil society groups and local officials in Haryana, PTI reported.Allegedly forced to work 16 hours a dayAccording to police, Bhadu Mandi had been taken to Gurugram after an advance payment of ₹40,000 was made to secure her employment as a domestic worker.Once there, she was allegedly made to work for over 16 hours daily, subjected to physical abuse and prevented from leaving the apartment.Authorities said the residence had a highly digitised security system, leaving her with little opportunity to contact her family.How the case came to lightThe case surfaced in March when Bhadu’s sister, Lakshmi Tudu, approached authorities in Birbhum seeking help.Family members said Bhadu managed to contact them only when a technician visited the apartment for repair work.An NGO, Nari O Sishu Kalyan Kendra, subsequently coordinated with government agencies to pursue the case. An FIR was later registered at Illambazar Police Station under the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).A West Bengal Police team later travelled to Gurugram and rescued the woman.Apartment owners abscondingPolice said the owners of the apartment were found absconding during the rescue operation. Notices have been pasted at the residence directing them to appear before local authorities.Bhadu is expected to return to West Bengal on Sunday, after which her statement will be recorded.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAssam Notifies New Excise Rules With Stricter Liquor Norms And Support For Indigenous BeveragesGovernment Appoints Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth As Next Army Chief, To Take Charge On June 30India, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter JetsEl Nino Officially Sets In Over Pacific Ocean, IMD Warns Of Further Strengthening During MonsoonDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young Woman123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

A 39-year-old woman from West Bengal’s Birbhum district has been rescued from an apartment in Gurugram, where she was allegedly confined and forced to work as a domestic help for more than two years under abusive conditions.The rescue was carried out on Friday through a coordinated effort involving West Bengal Police, district authorities, civil society…

Read More
Madhoo defends Janhvi Kapoor over ‘Peddi’ criticism, calls her a true star on the rise

Madhoo defends Janhvi Kapoor over ‘Peddi’ criticism, calls her a true star on the rise

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Actress Madhoo has spoken in support of Janhvi Kapoor following discussions surrounding her portrayal in ‘Peddi.’ Ever since the film’s release, several viewers have criticized how Janhvi’s character was presented on screen. The debate grew further after director Buchi Babu Sana acknowledged the feedback and made changes to certain scenes. Amid the ongoing conversation, Madhoo…

Read More
NTA launches training programme for exam staff ahead of NEET retest; flags viral paper leak claim as fake | India News

NTA launches training programme for exam staff ahead of NEET retest; flags viral paper leak claim as fake | India News

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins

NEW DELHI: With the NEET-UG 2026 retest scheduled for June 21 amid heightened security concerns, the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Saturday launched a nationwide training programme for examination officials and simultaneously dismissed a viral claim of another NEET paper leak as fake.The new initiative, titled Pariksha Karmayogi: Capacity-Building Programme for Examination Officials, has been…

Read More
‘You win a Test and can’t celebrate?’ : Former England cricketer blasts ECB amid nightclub row, backs Ben Stokes

‘You win a Test and can’t celebrate?’ : Former England cricketer blasts ECB amid nightclub row, backs Ben Stokes

Vamsikrishna04 mins mins

Former England spinner Graeme Swann has questioned the England Cricket Board’s (ECB) decision to impose a midnight curfew on players, saying England captain Ben Stokes has become a victim of a culture that is more focused on policing players than allowing them to celebrate success.Stokes came under scrutiny after footage emerged from post-Test celebrations at…

Read More
US-China friction returns: Beijing protests Pentagon’s military-company label for BYD, Alibaba and Baidu

US-China friction returns: Beijing protests Pentagon’s military-company label for BYD, Alibaba and Baidu

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

China on Saturday opposed the United States for adding several leading Chinese companies, including BYD, Alibaba and Baidu, to a Pentagon list of firms alleged to have links with the Chinese military, arguing that the move undermines understandings reached during last month’s summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.This comes despite…

Read More
NTA launches ‘Pariksha Karmayogi’ to train exam officials for better conduct of tests: Check details here

NTA launches ‘Pariksha Karmayogi’ to train exam officials for better conduct of tests: Check details here

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced the ‘Pariksha Karmayogi’ programme on the iGOT Karmayogi Bharat platform to improve the conduct of national examinations. The initiative trains exam officials, including invigilators and centre superintendents, through structured modules covering preparation, exam-day duties and guidelines, aiming to ensure fair, secure and standardised exam processes across India. The…

Read More
Zlatan Ibrahimovic kicks iShowSpeed off live broadcast after his Cristiano Ronaldo FIFA World Cup prediction

Zlatan Ibrahimovic kicks iShowSpeed off live broadcast after his Cristiano Ronaldo FIFA World Cup prediction

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

IShowSpeed (Credit: Getty Images) The FIFA World Cup 2026 has already delivered plenty of memorable moments. One such incident came during Fox Sports’ coverage of the United States versus Paraguay match when former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic shared the studio with French legend Thierry Henry and popular streamer Speed. What started as a routine discussion…

Read More
Police personnel stand guard near the site of a fire at a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area (PTI Photo) A family had booked a room at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast to be close to a critically ill relative undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. On the morning of June 3, they were having breakfast in the basement when a fire broke out. Trapped without an escape route, the family, along with several others, desperately tried to get out. Despite frantic phone calls and rescue attempts, they could not escape. Hours later, eight members of the family were found dead, their bodies burnt beyond recognition.Among the 22 people killed in the tragic fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar were eight members of the extended Agarwal family. Vivek Agarwal, a Gurugram-based chartered accountant, had been staying at the hotel with his family to remain close to his father, who was admitted to the ICU of the nearby Max Hospital. A week after losing most of his family in the fire, 75-year-old Radhe Shyam Agarwal succumbed to a lung infection at the hospital on Tuesday.Mahender Garg recalls that his cousin Vivek sounded frantic during a phone call made about 10 minutes before the fire escalated.“I am trapped in the basement. Please send the fire brigade quickly and get me out of here,” he pleaded.How the tragedy unfoldedAccording to reports, the fire may have originated from a commercial LPG cylinder explosion in the basement kitchen or from an air-conditioning unit on the ground floor. Before the blaze engulfed the building, witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion.As the flames intensified, thick black smoke spread rapidly through the hotel, fuelled by combustible materials. The smoke travelled through a single central staircase, gradually engulfing the entire building.Guests staying on the upper floors had little choice but to jump from windows to escape the flames. Local residents and neighbours placed mattresses on the ground to cushion their fall. One woman jumped from the third floor carrying a child in her arms. Though injured, both survived. Those trapped in the basement had no such option.While some victims suffered fatal burn injuries, most reportedly died due to severe smoke inhalation and respiratory damage. The smoke was unable to escape because of poor ventilation, sealed windows and glass panels.Among the many alleged safety lapses at the hotel was the basement’s sole entrance, which was reportedly locked. Rescue teams took around 10 minutes to gain access, after which six or seven people were rescued.What Delhi’s basement laws sayBasements in Delhi are regulated by the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) and the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD). Rule 7.4.11 of the UBBL-2016 permits basements to be used for the storage of household goods, non-flammable materials, dark rooms, strong rooms, bank cellars, library stack rooms, air-conditioning equipment and other utilities.Rule 4.4.3 of the Delhi Building Bye-Laws states that basements are not counted under the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of a building and therefore cannot be used as independent residential units. The regulations also mandate a minimum height of 2.4 metres, adequate ventilation, fire safety measures, waterproofing and proper drainage. UNCHECKED AND DANGEROUS“Vents with cross-sectional area (aggregate) not less than 2.5 per cent of the floor area spread evenly round the perimeter of the basement shall be provided in the form of grills or breakable stall board lights or pavement lights or by way of shafts,” the law states.“Alternatively, a system of air inlets shall be provided at basement floor level and smoke outlets at basement ceiling level.”Cooking activities and kitchens in basements and on rooftops were banned after the 2019 fire at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh that claimed 17 lives. Yet reports following similar incidents repeatedly point to violations of these regulations, often with fatal consequences.Dwelling on what-ifs after a tragedy can seem futile. Yet one question lingers: if the Agarwal family had been anywhere else in the hotel and not in the basement, could their lives have been saved?Not an isolated catastropheBasement misuse in Delhi has been under scrutiny following several tragedies, most notably the 2024 Rajendra Nagar incident, in which three students drowned in the basement library of Rau’s IAS Study Circle after rainwater flooded the premises. The basement was authorised only for storage, parking and utility purposes, not as a library.The negligence that led to the avoidable deaths of three young students was not an isolated violation of safety norms.Rajendra Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar and Ber Sarai are major hubs for students preparing for civil services and other competitive examinations. These areas are densely populated, with buildings packed closely together.“Look at how closely the houses are built to one another. In case a fire breaks out, it will not remain confined to one building. It will spread,” said a local resident.Students point out that many libraries continue to operate from basements despite repeated incidents involving flooding, fires and structural hazards.“Accidents are unpredictable. In case of flooding or a sudden fire, there is no possibility of escape,” said Nikhil, an 18-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh. TRAGEDY STRIKESStudents’ apprehensionsMany students living in these coaching hubs come from outside Delhi. They leave home in pursuit of better opportunities, while their families place immense trust in landlords, hostel operators and coaching institutions to keep them safe in an unfamiliar city.But with each new tragedy, that trust gives way to anxiety.Ajit had come to Ber Sarai to visit his younger brother, who is preparing for competitive examinations. He spoke of the constant worry that comes with having a sibling living far from home.“The MCD should inspect the kind of structures being built, the ventilation arrangements and the number of exits available. The government must be responsible. If a library or coaching centre is operating out of a basement, there should be at least two exits,” he said.Ajit recalled his own time living in Mukherjee Nagar when the Rajendra Nagar tragedy occurred. Following the incident, coaching classes were disrupted and several libraries were shut down. He said his years there were marked by recurring safety concerns, including fire incidents he had personally witnessed.Yet such tragedies continue to recur, claiming the lives of students, workers, migrants and tourists. Stampedes, drownings and fires become headlines every year. Systemic change rarely follows, and accountability seldom extends beyond individual punishment.Incidents such as the Malviya Nagar hotel fire and the Rajendra Nagar coaching centre tragedy have repeatedly drawn attention to the misuse of basements and violations of safety norms in the capital. Yet questions remain over how effectively existing regulations are being enforced, and whether lessons from past disasters are translating into meaningful changes on the ground.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnanya PodderAnanya Podder, a news intern at the Times of India, is a political science major who completed a PG Diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Currently working across diverse beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter JetsEl Nino Officially Sets In Over Pacific Ocean, IMD Warns Of Further Strengthening During MonsoonDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire Incident123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Police personnel stand guard near the site of a fire at a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area (PTI Photo) A family had booked a room at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast to be close to a critically ill relative undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. On the morning of June 3, they were having breakfast in the basement when a fire broke out. Trapped without an escape route, the family, along with several others, desperately tried to get out. Despite frantic phone calls and rescue attempts, they could not escape. Hours later, eight members of the family were found dead, their bodies burnt beyond recognition.Among the 22 people killed in the tragic fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar were eight members of the extended Agarwal family. Vivek Agarwal, a Gurugram-based chartered accountant, had been staying at the hotel with his family to remain close to his father, who was admitted to the ICU of the nearby Max Hospital. A week after losing most of his family in the fire, 75-year-old Radhe Shyam Agarwal succumbed to a lung infection at the hospital on Tuesday.Mahender Garg recalls that his cousin Vivek sounded frantic during a phone call made about 10 minutes before the fire escalated.“I am trapped in the basement. Please send the fire brigade quickly and get me out of here,” he pleaded.How the tragedy unfoldedAccording to reports, the fire may have originated from a commercial LPG cylinder explosion in the basement kitchen or from an air-conditioning unit on the ground floor. Before the blaze engulfed the building, witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion.As the flames intensified, thick black smoke spread rapidly through the hotel, fuelled by combustible materials. The smoke travelled through a single central staircase, gradually engulfing the entire building.Guests staying on the upper floors had little choice but to jump from windows to escape the flames. Local residents and neighbours placed mattresses on the ground to cushion their fall. One woman jumped from the third floor carrying a child in her arms. Though injured, both survived. Those trapped in the basement had no such option.While some victims suffered fatal burn injuries, most reportedly died due to severe smoke inhalation and respiratory damage. The smoke was unable to escape because of poor ventilation, sealed windows and glass panels.Among the many alleged safety lapses at the hotel was the basement’s sole entrance, which was reportedly locked. Rescue teams took around 10 minutes to gain access, after which six or seven people were rescued.What Delhi’s basement laws sayBasements in Delhi are regulated by the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) and the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD). Rule 7.4.11 of the UBBL-2016 permits basements to be used for the storage of household goods, non-flammable materials, dark rooms, strong rooms, bank cellars, library stack rooms, air-conditioning equipment and other utilities.Rule 4.4.3 of the Delhi Building Bye-Laws states that basements are not counted under the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of a building and therefore cannot be used as independent residential units. The regulations also mandate a minimum height of 2.4 metres, adequate ventilation, fire safety measures, waterproofing and proper drainage. UNCHECKED AND DANGEROUS“Vents with cross-sectional area (aggregate) not less than 2.5 per cent of the floor area spread evenly round the perimeter of the basement shall be provided in the form of grills or breakable stall board lights or pavement lights or by way of shafts,” the law states.“Alternatively, a system of air inlets shall be provided at basement floor level and smoke outlets at basement ceiling level.”Cooking activities and kitchens in basements and on rooftops were banned after the 2019 fire at Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh that claimed 17 lives. Yet reports following similar incidents repeatedly point to violations of these regulations, often with fatal consequences.Dwelling on what-ifs after a tragedy can seem futile. Yet one question lingers: if the Agarwal family had been anywhere else in the hotel and not in the basement, could their lives have been saved?Not an isolated catastropheBasement misuse in Delhi has been under scrutiny following several tragedies, most notably the 2024 Rajendra Nagar incident, in which three students drowned in the basement library of Rau’s IAS Study Circle after rainwater flooded the premises. The basement was authorised only for storage, parking and utility purposes, not as a library.The negligence that led to the avoidable deaths of three young students was not an isolated violation of safety norms.Rajendra Nagar, Mukherjee Nagar and Ber Sarai are major hubs for students preparing for civil services and other competitive examinations. These areas are densely populated, with buildings packed closely together.“Look at how closely the houses are built to one another. In case a fire breaks out, it will not remain confined to one building. It will spread,” said a local resident.Students point out that many libraries continue to operate from basements despite repeated incidents involving flooding, fires and structural hazards.“Accidents are unpredictable. In case of flooding or a sudden fire, there is no possibility of escape,” said Nikhil, an 18-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh. TRAGEDY STRIKESStudents’ apprehensionsMany students living in these coaching hubs come from outside Delhi. They leave home in pursuit of better opportunities, while their families place immense trust in landlords, hostel operators and coaching institutions to keep them safe in an unfamiliar city.But with each new tragedy, that trust gives way to anxiety.Ajit had come to Ber Sarai to visit his younger brother, who is preparing for competitive examinations. He spoke of the constant worry that comes with having a sibling living far from home.“The MCD should inspect the kind of structures being built, the ventilation arrangements and the number of exits available. The government must be responsible. If a library or coaching centre is operating out of a basement, there should be at least two exits,” he said.Ajit recalled his own time living in Mukherjee Nagar when the Rajendra Nagar tragedy occurred. Following the incident, coaching classes were disrupted and several libraries were shut down. He said his years there were marked by recurring safety concerns, including fire incidents he had personally witnessed.Yet such tragedies continue to recur, claiming the lives of students, workers, migrants and tourists. Stampedes, drownings and fires become headlines every year. Systemic change rarely follows, and accountability seldom extends beyond individual punishment.Incidents such as the Malviya Nagar hotel fire and the Rajendra Nagar coaching centre tragedy have repeatedly drawn attention to the misuse of basements and violations of safety norms in the capital. Yet questions remain over how effectively existing regulations are being enforced, and whether lessons from past disasters are translating into meaningful changes on the ground.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.About the AuthorAnanya PodderAnanya Podder, a news intern at the Times of India, is a political science major who completed a PG Diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. Currently working across diverse beats.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosIndia, France Expected To Deepen Defence Cooperation With Focus On Submarines And Fighter JetsEl Nino Officially Sets In Over Pacific Ocean, IMD Warns Of Further Strengthening During MonsoonDRDO Conducts Three Successful Missile Tests, Strengthens India’s Ballistic Missile Defence Shield’Like My Son’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Surprise Remark On Abhishek Sparks Fresh BuzzOpposition Alleges BJP Using Agencies As Political Toolkit After FIR Against MamataPolice Conduct 4-Hour Search At Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Residence In Fraud ProbeFive IAF Personnel Killed After AN-32 Aircraft Crashes During Routine Sortie In AssamIndian-Origin Man Jailed For 34 Years In UK For Kidnapping, Torturing And R*ping Young WomanNEET-UG Re-Exam Gets CAPF Cover, IAF Support And Extra Time For StudentsSanjay Raut Alleges EVMs Were Deliberately Set Ablaze, Targets BJP Over West Bengal Fire Incident123PhotostoriesCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvelsLong before becoming the world’s first trillionaire, Elon Musk survived on hot dogs and oranges for $1 a day in CanadaWhat people who stay healthy into their 80s do differently every day5 signs life’s hardest phase is finally behind you5 animals that are often called the world’s dumbestHave you done the “sun test” before investing in a houseEl Niño is more than a weather event: How it could affect your healthInside Karishma Tanna’s luxurious 2-storey Mumbai home: Massive living room, stunning balcony views and more123Hot PicksRe-NEET admit cardAIDMK MeetWomen t20 World Cup Match todayTulsi GabbardMandi-Kullu trafficDelta Air Lines flightSpaceX IPOKCET 2026 verification slipKCET counselling 2026Top TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultSpaceX IPOFIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result

Vamsikrishna06 mins mins

Police personnel stand guard near the site of a fire at a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area (PTI Photo) A family had booked a room at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast to be close to a critically ill relative undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital. On the morning of June 3, they were having breakfast…

Read More
Australia Women 0/0 in 0.0 Overs | Australia Women vs South Africa Women Live Score, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Laura Wolvaardt key as Proteas eye statement victory over Australia

Australia Women 0/0 in 0.0 Overs | Australia Women vs South Africa Women Live Score, Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Laura Wolvaardt key as Proteas eye statement victory over Australia

Vamsikrishna01 mins mins

Australia start their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a Group 1 clash against South Africa at Old Trafford in Manchester. The six-time champions arrive as the world’s top-ranked T20I side and remain one of the strongest teams in women’s cricket. This tournament also marks the beginning of a new World Cup chapter…

Read More
SpaceX made Musk a trillionaire, but what else does he own? A look at his business empire

SpaceX made Musk a trillionaire, but what else does he own? A look at his business empire

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

SpaceX’s blockbuster stock market debut may have made Elon Musk the world’s first trillionaire, but the rocket company is only one part of a sprawling business empire that stretches from electric vehicles and artificial intelligence to brain implants and underground transport systems.Over the years, several of Musk’s ventures have become increasingly interconnected. Earlier this year,…

Read More
Has Ajith reduced his salary for ‘AK 64’? Here’s what we know – Exclusive

Has Ajith reduced his salary for ‘AK 64’? Here’s what we know – Exclusive

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

Actor Ajith Kumar has been balancing two major passions in recent years, cinema and professional motorsport. Following the success of ‘Good Bad Ugly,’ directed by Adhik Ravichandran, Ajith shifted much of his focus towards racing and participated in several international events with his own racing team. In addition, talks related to his next movie, titled…

Read More
Tapanuli Orangutan: World’s rarest great ape pushed to the brink after a deadly storm? Study suggests we might lose the Tapanuli orangutan, only discovered in 2017

Tapanuli Orangutan: World’s rarest great ape pushed to the brink after a deadly storm? Study suggests we might lose the Tapanuli orangutan, only discovered in 2017

Vamsikrishna03 mins mins

A recent cyclone in Sumatra killed approximately 58 Tapanuli orangutans, representing about 7% of the critically endangered species. This devastating loss, caused by relentless rain and landslides, pushes the world’s rarest great ape closer to extinction. Researchers warn that such extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent due to climate change. Photo via…

Read More