New Delhi

The mattress shop owner who used the stock from his store to help rescue people trapped in the devastating Malviya Nagar hotel fire has said that he has already been compensated for his losses and urged the public to focus their support on the families of those who lost their lives.

Riyazuddin Mansuri, whose mattress shop is located near the Flourish Stay hotel in Hauz Rani, became one of the local heroes during the tragedy. Along with his son, Arman, he rushed to the scene after learning about the fire and immediately joined the rescue efforts.

As flames and thick smoke engulfed the hotel, the father-son duo brought mattresses and quilts from their shop and spread them outside the building to cushion the fall of people attempting to escape through windows.

The incident had initially raised concerns about the financial loss suffered by Mansuri after he used his merchandise during the rescue operation. However, he said that neighbours, friends and well-wishers had stepped in to help him recover the losses.

"My losses have been compensated. I will be able to reopen my shop within a few days," Mansuri said.

He appealed to people to instead extend their assistance to those who have been left devastated by the tragedy.

Another local resident, Mohammad Afzal, who also participated in the rescue efforts, echoed the sentiment. He urged both the public and authorities to prioritise support for families that lost their breadwinners in the fire.

Highlighting the plight of one of the victims, Afzal said a young woman from Jharkhand, employed as a cleaner at the hotel, was among those killed.

"Families like hers need help the most. Many of them may have lost their only source of income. They deserve compensation and support," he said.

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The fire at the Flourish Stay hotel in Malviya Nagar's Hauz Rani area claimed 22 lives, including those of 12 foreign nationals, and left several others injured. The tragedy has triggered widespread grief and renewed calls for improved fire safety measures in the national capital.