Before and after: Mansuri’s mattress shop damaged in the fire.
The 61-year-old trader, who helped rescue people during the Malviya Nagar fire on Wednesday (June 3, 2026) by placing mattresses from his shop to soften the fall of those trapped in the building, requested the Delhi government on Thursday (June 4) to compensate him for the losses, which he estimates at ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2 lakh.Riyazuddin Mansuri said he rushed to the spot with his son, Arman Mansuri, after receiving a call about the blaze at Flourish Stay B&B, located opposite his shop. The two reached within minutes, well before the arrival of the fire brigades, he said.“We saw people screaming and brought out our mattresses so those trapped inside could jump. Initially, six to eight persons jumped, and then more followed. The fire tenders arrived soon after,” Mr. Riyazuddin said.Editorial | Fire and furore: On fire accidents in IndiaMr. Arman said people trapped on the upper floors were calling out for help. “People on the upper floors were shouting and asking if they should jump. I immediately brought out around 20 to 25 quilts and mattresses from the shop and spread them outside the building,” he said.Mr. Riyazuddin added that during the rescue, firefighters and locals used bedsheets from his shop to safely carry the injured out of the building. “At that moment, I was only thinking about saving lives, not the losses. But I would be grateful if the government could provide some compensation,” he said.Mr. Riyazuddin’s shop, usually stocked with mattresses and bedsheets, now stands empty.He said he was uncertain how long it would take to resume business.“The hotel owners made money, but it is their negligence that has left us bearing the cost. The government should at least compensate those who stepped forward during the rescue,” he added.He also said that his experience as a civil defence volunteer about 15 years ago helped him respond swiftly during the emergency.(With inputs from PTI) Published - June 05, 2026 01:40 am IST
