BJP accuses Lamba of obstructing firefighting; AAP defends her

New Delhi May 23 (IANS) AAP legislator Alka Lamba courted controversy by climbing atop a firefighters platform when a blaze broke out in the Chandni Chowk area late Monday night. The BJP filed a police complaint against her on Tuesday for obstructing the firefighters.

Informed sources said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal summoned the legislator and sought her explanation. However the Aam Aadmi Party defended Lamba s action saying she was trying to control the crowd in the crowded central Delhi market.

No one was injured but at least 80 shops were gutted in the major fire which took over four and a half hours to douse fire brigade officials said on Tuesday.

A phone call on fire in a saree shop was received at 10 p.m. on Monday following which 25 fire tenders were rushed to the spot a fire official told IANS.

In a video clipping that went viral on social media Lamba was seen riding the elevator platform used by firefighters to gain access to high-rise buildings to douse the flames.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticised what it said were Lamba s theatrics and termed it as her photo opportunity.

BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma filed a complaint against Lamba for obstructing public servants from discharging their duties.

In her complaint letter addressed to the Delhi Police Commissioner Sharma wrote that Lamba is seen climbing atop a fire engine s crane meant solely for firefighting and rescue operations.

... this stunt and act of (AAP legislator from Chandni Chowk) Alka Lamba hindered firefighters and delayed the (fire-dousing) process thereby increasing the risk of spread of the raging fire.

Such irresponsible self-aggrandising and callous behaviour of legislator Alka Lamba calls for a serious investigation into the possible delay... obstructions she created for the public servants in discharging their duties Sharma said in her complaint.

She urged the Police Commissioner to get registered a criminal case against Lamba.

Senior AAP leader Atishi Marlena in a series of tweets said that Lamba reached the spot at 11 p.m. after getting a phone call from the market association and remained there till 2 a.m.

Around 2 a.m. -- after the fire had mostly been put out -- Fire Officer Rajesh Pawar asked Lamba to help manage the crowd. Lamba climbed on to the platform to address and manage the crowd and thus helped control an unruly and difficult situation Marlena said.

Local BJP councillor made the situation unruly by shouting slogans against Lamba while she was trying to control the crowd the AAP leader said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The police have started a probe.

--IANS
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