TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 3, 2025 – A sudden fire broke out in the city’s Babylon Tower late last night, but thanks to the swift intervention of the district administration, police, fire brigade, and the extraordinary courage of local youths, the incident was brought under control without any loss of life. Acting on the immediate instructions of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai, rescue operations were launched within minutes of the alert, ensuring the safe evacuation of all residents trapped inside the high-rise.
The operation, which continued late into the night, was personally monitored by the Chief Minister and his secretariat, who remained in constant touch with senior officials. District Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, Superintendent of Police Dr. Lal Ummed Singh, and fire services teams rushed to the scene, where they coordinated the evacuation of residents floor by floor. In one instance, rescuers carried a differently-abled person out of the building in their arms, highlighting the dedication and humanity that defined the mission.
Recognising the bravery of several young men who risked their lives in the operation, Collector Dr. Singh and SSP Dr. Singh today honoured them with shawls and books. Among those felicitated were Somesh Sao, Devashish Bariha, Akash Sahu, Vishal Yadav, Abhishek Sinha, and A. Venugopal, a municipal employee who played a crucial role in guiding people to safety. The officers described them as “the pride of the city” and an inspiration for society, praising their selflessness and courage in the face of danger.
Collector Singh recalled that he and the SSP were at the airport to receive the Chief Minister when news of the fire broke. “The CM instructed us to immediately reach the site and oversee the rescue,” he said. “The bravery of these youths and the quick coordination of officials ensured there was no loss of life. Their actions reflect the values instilled by their families and the spirit of our culture—thinking of others before oneself.”
The rescue saw the combined efforts of Municipal Commissioner Vishwadeep, District Panchayat CEO Kumar Biswaranjan, ADM Umashankar Bande, SDM Nandkumar Choubey, District Commander Pushpraj Singh, police officers from Telibandha station, SDRF teams, and fire services. SDM Choubey and Commander Singh themselves climbed to the 7th floor to calm panicked residents, guiding them down the stairways to safety.
One of the honoured youths, Somesh Sao, recounted his experience, saying he rushed to the site within 10 minutes after receiving a distress call from a friend trapped in the building. “I collected the fire equipment from the basement and began extinguishing flames while climbing floor by floor,” he said. “With help from A. Venugopal and others, we guided people out and prevented a tragedy.”
Officials noted that the quick thinking of Venugopal, who advised residents to use wet cloths as makeshift masks against the smoke, saved many from suffocation. The Collector praised the group’s composure, saying their example will inspire society for years to come.
