New Delhi: Since spreading their shop’s mattresses to catch more than a dozen people leaping from the Malviya Nagar hotel fire last Wednesday, the home of Riyazuddin and Armaan Mansuri has turned into a parade of well-wishers, TV crews, YouTubers, and local politicians. They’ve received shawls, bouquets, and even cash awards from social organisations. Yet one thing is missing, the family says: a visit or compensation from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The celebration of their heroism in the neighbourhood and media contrasts with the absence of government support. Malviya Nagar MLA Satish Upadhyay met them on the day of the fire, but the family says there has been no follow-up from any BJP leader since.
For the family, their Muslim identity has been enough to devalue their heroism, despite risking their lives and destroying Rs 2 lakh worth of their own business stock to cushion the fall of strangers.
“Muslims are highlighted for everything they do. Then why is this incident, and the people who saved lives here, not being highlighted? We are Muslims too,” said 62-year-old Riyazuddin. “Hindu organisations can be seen reaching wherever Muslims are involved, whether it is the Vishva Hindu Parishad or Bajrang Dal. Why are they not coming here?”
The Mansuris have been going from one felicitation ceremony to another, but their livelihood is frozen. Mansuri Cotton Shop, a shack-like structure directly opposite the charred remains of Flourish Stay, has lost much of the inventory used in the rescue. Whatever is left is now trapped behind a police cordon. It’s the family’s only source of income and they still have no clarity on when business can resume.
The fire at Flourish Stay, a bed-and-breakfast in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, claimed 22 lives in the early hours of June 3, including nine Indians and 13 foreign nationals. The toll could have been higher had Riyazuddin, Armaan, and other local men not acted quickly. Among the first responders, they emptied their shop and spread mattresses below the building to cushion people jumping to safety.
“As soon as we learned about the fire, I ran to the spot and informed my father,” recalled 27-year-old Armaan. “I quickly brought out around 20 mattresses from our shop and spread them outside the building. People started jumping onto them. Most of them were able to land safely.”
The father-son duo say their quick thinking helped save at least 12 to 15 people who were desperately trying to escape the flames from the upper floors. Later, bedsheets and mattress covers from the shop were used during recovery efforts to respectfully carry the victims who died in the fire.
“I did it purely for humanity. I may have lost goods worth nearly Rs 2 lakh, but I am completely at peace because we were able to save so many lives,” said Riyazuddin. “We did what was right. If not the government, Allah will help us earn that money again.”
Others, though, have rushed to their aid.
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‘CM visits many places…’
Mansuri Cotton Shop was once neatly stocked with pillows, bedsheets, cushions, foldable beds, and mattresses. The family has run it for 45 years, since Riyazuddin’s father opened it after moving to Delhi from Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh. Rebuilding it now looks like a steep uphill climb.
“Our shop has not been sealed, but it falls within the area cordoned off by the police, where the investigation is still ongoing,” said Armaan. “We are waiting for an update from the authorities.”
The business has remained shut in the five days since the fire. While it generates a steady income throughout the year, the family earns the most during the winter months of November and December, when demand for mattresses, quilts and other warm bedding products peaks.
“Our shop is the only means of livelihood for our family,” Riyazuddin said. “We did what anyone should do in such a situation. Now, we only hope for some support from the government to help us get back on our feet.”
In the neighbourhood, which has a sizeable Muslim population, residents and shopkeepers across communities are rallying around them.
“We have seen each other grow up. They have always been helpful and kind,” said 64-year-old Shailendra Tilak, who runs a chemist shop in the same lane where the fire incident occurred. “The way they jumped in to help only inspires us more.”
Financial aid has poured in from different quarters. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi invited Riyazuddin, Armaan, and other men involved in the rescue to honour them, felicitated them with shawls and bouquets, and gave the group Rs 50,000. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind’s Delhi unit also honoured them and gave Riyazuddin Rs 1 lakh.
Advocate Virendra Kasana, along with members of the Sardar Patel Seva Dal Sanstha, gave another Rs 1 lakh to Riyazuddin and his family.
“They could have simply shut their shop and run away, but they did not hesitate for even a second before stepping in to help rescue people,” Kasana said.
But the lack of acknowledgement from the government is bothering more than just the family.
“We are helping them at our level, but the government in power should support them with a much bigger reward,” Pratapgarhi said.
Kasana pointed out that the Mansuris gave desperate fire victims hope, and now it was the government’s turn to give the family hope. He also questioned Chief Minister Rekha Gupta for not visiting the site or acknowledging the efforts of local residents who took part in the rescue.
“Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visits many places, so why did she not come here? Is it because this is a Muslim-majority area?” he asked. “An elected Chief Minister should represent everyone and should come forward for everyone.”
A matter of principle
The Mansuri family lives within walking distance of their shop. The household consists of five members: Riyazuddin, his wife, their three daughters, and their son Armaan. Their low-key life has been thrust into the spotlight overnight.
Several posts, including AI-generated videos and images depicting Riyazuddin and Armaan carrying mattresses to save lives, have gone viral across social media platforms. Many users have also shared crowdfunding appeals to help the family rebuild their business.
“A shining example of bravery, presence of mind and humanity. It just goes to prove who we are at the core of our hearts. I sincerely wish we come forward to help make up for the loss Riyazuddin has suffered. I am happy to do my bit,” wrote one user, @PramodDrSolanki, on X.
Meanwhile, even as the Mansuris continue to be celebrated on social media, some neighbours have turned sceptical.
“They must be getting more than what they have lost. Every day people are visiting them, and they are constantly going somewhere to meet someone,” said a neighbour of the Mansuri family, standing at the entrance of the lane leading to their house. Another neighbour also chimed in that the family had received “a lot of money”.
But for others, it is not a matter of money, but principle.
Riyazuddin and Armaan were not the only heroes that day. Wasim Raza, Mohammad Israr Khan, Mohammad Shoaib, and Salman Hasan were among others who rushed into the flames to rescue people. They haven’t received government recognition either.
“Muslims are often highlighted only for the wrong reasons. Why doesn’t the government come here and meet the heroes who saved so many lives?” said 26-year-old Hasan. “That day, we did not think about anyone’s religion or even our own lives. But if our religion is always remembered in other situations, then why not this time?”
(Edited by Asavari Singh)
Yes, BJP should appreciate them. And try to get Muslim votes.
BJP should do outreach to Muslim voters.