A 40-year-old woman and her two daughters died in a fire that broke out on the third floor of a residential building in B.K. Dutt Colony in south Delhi’s Jor Bagh on Tuesday morning, the police said.The victims were identified as Akanksha Sharma and her daughters, Aradhya, 12, and eight-year-old Mihika.A PCR call was received at 10.26 a.m., following which fire and police personnel rushed to the spot and brought the blaze under control by around 11.10 a.m., said an officer.At the time of the incident, Akanksha’s husband, Mohit Sharma, an advocate, and his mother were on the second floor, the officer added.Residents said they noticed smoke billowing from the third floor around 10 a.m. and rushed to help, but access was limited.“The external staircase went only up to the second floor; the third floor could be accessed only through an internal staircase,” said Rahul, a neighbour.Residents tried to reach the third floor using a ladder and break open the balcony door, but the fire was too intense, Mr. Rahul said, adding that one rescuer sustained minor burns.The Delhi Fire Services said one water tender, one water bowser and a breathing apparatus tender were deployed to douse the fire.“We have found no signs of foul play at this stage, but all angles are being examined. The district crime team and a forensic science laboratory team have examined the spot,” said the police.Akanksha had been undergoing treatment for mental health issues for the past six years, added the officer. Published - July 22, 2026 01:23 am IST