A devastating fire at Batcha’s Furniture Castle (Sai Vishwas Chambers) on Nampally Station Road has claimed five lives after a grueling 22-hour rescue operation that concluded on January 25, 2026. The Victims & Heroic Sacrifices ✨🕊️ The Children: Praneeth (11) and Akhil (7), the sons of the building’s watchman, Yadaiah, were trapped in their cellar room. The Caretaker: Bibi Amma (60) (also referred to as Bebi/Beban Bee), a housekeeping worker and native of Karnataka, died alongside the children. The Heroes: Mohammed Imtiyaz (27), a sales agent, and Syed Habeeb (30), an auto driver, successfully rescued three people before re-entering the building to save the children. Tragically, they were trapped by falling debris and thick smoke and did not survive. Key Details of the Incident 🚒📉 Cause & Spread: The fire broke out around 1:00 PM on January 24. Officials suspect an electrical short circuit intensified by massive quantities of combustible furniture, chemicals, and foam stored illegally in the cellars. Rescue Challenges: Dense smoke and blocked exit points, including a locked iron shutter, severely hampered efforts by fire services, HYDRAA, and the NDRF. Government Action: The Telangana government has announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh for the families of each deceased victim. Legal Consequences: The shop owner, Satish Batcha, has been arrested on charges of negligence and culpable homicide.