Burari building collapse: Even death couldn’t separate sisters Sadhna and Radhika

Burari building collapse: Even death couldn’t separate sisters Sadhna and Radhika

The Burari building collapse tragedy on January 27 claimed the lives of two young siblings, Sadhna (17) and Radhika (7). The devastating incident has left their family shattered. The inseparable girls were found dead under the debris by rescue workers.

Sadhna, the eldest daughter, had always been a second mother to her younger sister Radhika, looking after her with love and care. The two were often seen together, and their bond was unbreakable.

Their parents and six other siblings, who were pulled out alive earlier, are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

"The children had been eagerly preparing to visit their nani’s house in Madhya Pradesh for a wedding," said Dhanniram (60), their maternal grandfather, who rushed to the scene after watching the news on TV.

“My younger daughter was to be married on February 15, and they had already planned to travel. The tragedy struck just a day before it,” Dhanniram said.

The family had been living in the building for the past six months, where the parents of the deceased worked as labourers and survived on a meagre monthly income of Rs 10,000.

Dhanniram’s son-in-law, Lallu, and his daughter Savita, along with their children, had been eagerly preparing for his daughter’s wedding. "They were all excited about the wedding, but this tragedy has taken everything from us," he said.

According to the Times of India, the scene at Burari Government Hospital was filled with grief and sadness as relatives gathered for their loved ones. Mohammad Barik was searching for his younger brother Sarfaraz, who had been working in the building for five to six months. "His phone rings, but no one answers. I have been to several hospitals but haven’t found him," Barik said. His worst fears were confirmed when Sarfaraz’s body was recovered from the debris of the building.

Another victim, Mohammad Qadir (40), was the sole breadwinner for his family in Bihar. Earning Rs 600 per day, Qadir had been working and staying in the building for the past two months. "He used to send most of his earnings to his wife and four children in Bihar," said his relative, Sheikh Nihal.

Kapil (35), from Amrit Vihar, was also among the worried family members. His brother Gautam, a 25-year-old labourer, had been missing since the collapse. "I’ve been calling him all morning, but there’s been no response," he said.