In the last 14 years since the Dabwali fire tragedy, she has undergone nearly 30 operations to undo what destiny had done to her face. Unfortunately, however, the injuries proved too grave and for the last few years, Suman Kaushal (23), a Ludhiana resident, has stopped visiting the doctor for treatment of her badly charred face.

Even as the Punjab and Haryana High Court today announced compensation for tragedy victims, its memories still haunt many like Suman, one of the survivors of the tragedy that claimed 442 lives, left over 20 physically challenged and injured nearly 200 people on December 23, 1995. The survivors, however, find the compensation too little, too late.

“I was hoping that I would be offered some job. I am not exactly sure about the exact quantum of the compensation, but I desperately wanted a job for sustenance,” Suman said after the judgment. Defying all odds, Suman completed her BEd two years ago, and has been on a job hunt.  

“I have come to know that the rate of interest on compensation will be six percent. It is too less,” she said.

Suman was nine when the incident took place at Rajeev Palace, the site of the annual function organised by DAV Centenary Public School on December 23, 1995. The palace was caught in raging flames due to a fire triggered by a short circuit.

And in no time, charred human bodies were found scattered, as 258 children and 125 housewives lost their lives. It was reported that locals had to clear their mustard fields to cremate the deceased after the local cremation grounds failed to accommodate the bodies.

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