Bajaj family felicitates brave security guard

Ramlal Singh (40), who risked his life to rescue the Bajaj family from the October 20 fire in Maker Tower at Cuffe Parade was felicitated on Thursday.

The fire had gutted huge portions of the 20th and 21st floor of the building and the family of Shekhar Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Electricals, managed to escape safely thanks to the bravery of Singh, who is the security supervisor of the building.

The Bajaj family and Maker Tower's committee felicitated Ramlal on Thursday morning.

The Bajaj MD offered a cheque of Rs 25,000 to Singh. Shekhar Bajaj said, "He went out of his way to save my family. This is the least I could do for him.'' Remembering the incident that gutted his plush duplex apartment, Bajaj said, "I was in the inner most room. Ramlal and Vaibhav Kapoor broke opened the door. Ramlal was also quick to get the fire hoses from a couple of floors. There was too much of smoke, and yet, he risked his life and proved that he is a true security guard."

The Maker Tower Committee also collected Rs 25,000 which too was handed over to Ramlal. A committee member of Maker Tower praised Ramlal, "Who would go out of his way to protect the lives of someone else? We were touched by his brace act, He is a very down to earth person, and this money is simply a token of our gratitude," he said.

Ramlal told DNA it was his job and his duty to protect the lives of those he worked for. "I was merely doing my duty. However, I am very happy that my work was appreciated not only by the Bajaj family but the building members as well. I will put this money into good use for the future of my children.''

In the fire, two servants of the family had lost their lives. Bajaj said that they will look after the family as well, "These two had been with us for a couple of years. We cannot change what has happened, but we will make sure we fulfill the needs of their families."