A tragic incident in Gurgaon's Naurangpur village claimed the life of a 49-year-old mason, who died of suffocation after a fire erupted in the small room he occupied inside a temple premises. The event unfolded on Sunday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Police from the Bar Gujjar police post stated that they received an alert about smoke billowing from a room and a man lying unconscious inside. A team swiftly reached the spot. The victim was identified as Rajesh Khanna, a native of Shahjahanpur district in Uttar Pradesh. He had been residing and working in Gurgaon for the past two years, employed as a mason at the very temple where he lived.
The preliminary investigation points to a devastating sequence of events. Authorities suspect that a quilt and mattress kept in the cramped room caught fire. The blaze produced thick, toxic smoke that quickly filled the enclosed space, leading to fatal suffocation.
Police Investigation and Findings
An investigating officer revealed that the initial probe suggests the fire may have been accidentally triggered. "Preliminary investigation suggests the fire may have been triggered by a spark while he was smoking, though no burn injuries were found on the body," the officer said. This indicates the primary cause of death was smoke inhalation rather than burns.
Police have recorded statements from the family members of the deceased. After a thorough examination of the circumstances, they have ruled out any foul play in the case. The body was taken into custody, sent for autopsy, and after the post-mortem was conducted on Monday, it was handed over to the grieving family for last rites.
Community and Safety Implications
This unfortunate event highlights the perilous living conditions often faced by migrant workers in urban areas. Residing in small, confined spaces with combustible materials can turn a minor accident into a fatal disaster. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of fire safety measures, even in temporary or modest living quarters.
The local community in Naurangpur village is mourning the loss of Rajesh Khanna, a labourer who travelled far from home in search of livelihood, only to meet a tragic end. The police have concluded their initial investigation, attributing the death to a tragic accident.
