U’khand politics hots up over cook’s arrest in Delhi fire case

Dehradun: The arrest of 65-year-old Garhwal native Keshav Negi in connection with the June 3 fire tragedy in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, which claimed 22 lives, has triggered a political scramble in Uttarakhand, with both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress seeking to champion the family’s cause while demanding a fair probe.The issue gained political traction after chief minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami spoke to his Delhi counterpart Rekha Gupta on Sunday. In a statement, Dhami later said Gupta had assured him that “no innocent person would be subjected to injustice” and that “the probe would proceed strictly on the basis of facts and evidence”.Dhami also spoke to Negi’s daughter, Kanishka, and assured the family of all possible assistance.Sensing growing public sentiment around the issue, Uttarakhand Congress president Ganesh Godiyal visited Negi’s native village Rikholi in Pauri district on Monday to meet family members. Expressing condolences to those who lost their lives in the fire, Godiyal questioned the arrest of a cook and demanded an impartial inquiry into possible safety violations at the establishment.“Making a common person a scapegoat is not justice,” Godiyal said, alleging that the BJP govt had confined itself to issuing statements and urging stronger intervention to ensure a fair probe.Former CM and Congress leader Harish Rawat said the investigation into the fire tragedy must establish accountability of the hotel owner, management and all those genuinely responsible for the incident. “If an attempt is being made to make a cook shoulder the blame while shielding those who bear greater responsibility, it would be against the very spirit of justice and would raise serious questions about the functioning and impartiality of the investigating agencies,” he said.Senior BJP leaders also weighed in, underscoring the political sensitivity the case has acquired across party lines. Former CM and Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat said on Tuesday that he had spoken to Negi’s daughter, an advocate practising in Delhi, and assured her of support in her pursuit of justice. Rawat added that he had also discussed the matter with Garhwal MP Anil Baluni and others.Negi was employed as a cook at the establishment where the fire broke out and was arrested by Delhi Police along with the owner of the premises. Police sources said initial investigation suggested the blaze spread rapidly due to Negi’s alleged negligence. Investigators also claimed to have found multiple safety violations and serious lapses in the building’s fire safety infrastructure.In Rikholi village, residents expressed concern over the developments. “The family has been settled in Delhi for more than 30 years and rarely visits the village. We can only stand by them and hope justice is ensured,” village pradhan Prem Lal said.