At least 21 people, including foreign nationals were killed in a fire that broke out in a hotel in the Indian capital, New Delhi, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The incident occurred in the Malviya Nagar area in the morning hours, with the blaze erupting at around 8:50 am local time (0320 GMT).
According to a statement from Delhi Police, the death toll stands at 21, while more than 40 people were rescued from the multi-storey building and shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities said the fire was later brought under control after emergency response teams were deployed for rescue and relief operations.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said in a post on X that emergency response agencies were immediately mobilised and rescue efforts were ongoing.
She added that the government is closely monitoring the situation as investigations continue.
Protest against RSS programme “Yuva Kumbh”
In a separate development, earlier student groups at Jamia Millia Islamia, India, including the All India Students’ Association (AISA), held protests against an RSS programme titled “Yuva Kumbh” on campus, according to the reports.
In a joint statement, the groups opposed the event and said the RSS has no role in India’s freedom struggle.
They stated that the organisation had collaborated with British colonial rulers. They also questioned its claim of contributing to 100 years of nation building.
The students also criticised the Jamia administration for allowing the RSS programme.
They also claimed that it denies permission to progressive groups to hold events on education, democracy and constitutional values.
Protesters also said the RSS promotes a divisive agenda. They added that it should not be given space in educational institutions like Jamia.
During the protest, students raised slogans and displayed posters against the event.
They further said that the freedom fighters gave their lives for independence. While the RSS did not support the national movement.
