Crime

U.S.-based NRI Brothers Die Trying to Save Aunt in Mumbai Pub Fire

14 people died and 21 were injured in the fire that broke out at a rooftop pub and restaurant at Lower Parel in Mumbai.

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Two United States-based Indian brothers died in a fire at Kamala Mills in Mumbai, in which 12 others were killed on Dec. 29. A fire raged at a rooftop pub called One Above, where Dhairya Lalani, 26, and Vishwa Lalani, 23, died after they went back in to save their aunt.

The bodies of the Lalani brothers and their aunt Pramila Kenia were found with several others inside the washroom of the pub. The three were not burnt and died of suffocation with the others, according to the police. As many as 21 people were injured.

“The cooling operations are underway. Some of the injured people are in critical condition,” an official said, PTI reported.

The brothers had come to India on a holiday, and reached Mumbai two weeks ago. Their aunt had organized a party for the two at One Above with several of their friends also present at the venue.

“They died helping others,” Viral Chedda, a cousin of the brothers, said, according to Scroll.

“They had a table booked near the entrance of the pub,” a friend of the family told the Indian Express. “So when the fire broke out, those near the table immediately stepped out the restaurant. But after coming out, the two brothers realized that their aunt Pramila wasn’t with them.”

Kenia’s sister Bharti Doshi said, “They were the only children in the whole family. Three mothers lost their children today.”

Dhairya had been living in the United States for the last five years and recently quit his job. His date of return wasn’t fixed.

The fire was reported around 12.30 a.m. at the rooftop restaurant at the Kamla Trade House. The fire then spread to another restaurant, Mojo Bistro, nearby. There are 36 restaurants, shopping areas and offices near the location and the fire has sparked fear and outrage among the citizens.

Many women in their early 20s and 30s, who were at the location celebrating a birthday dinner, died in the fire as well.

Hratesh Sanghvi, Jigar Sanghvi and Abhijeet Manka of C Grade Hospitality, which manages the pub, were booked along with others under various charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

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