The bodies of some of the Indians killed in the fire in Kuwait are charred beyond recognition and DNA testing is on to confirm the victims’ identities, Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh has said.

The Gonda MP, who had to rush to the Gulf country soon after he took charge as a Minister of State for External Affairs, said an Indian Air Force plane is ready to bring the bodies home. “As soon as the bodies are identified, their kin will be informed and our Air Force plane will bring the bodies back,” he said. According to the latest figures, he said, at least 48 people have died in the fire in Mangaf city and 42 of them are believed to be Indians.

The fire in the six-storey building started in the kitchen early yesterday. Nearly 200 people were living in the building, and officials said most deaths were caused due to inhalation of smoke in sleep.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the tragic incident at a high-level meeting at his residence last night and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those killed in the fire. He has expressed condolences for the families and wished those injured — about 50 — a speedy recovery. In fact, it is the survivors who are helping the officials identify the bodies with severe burns. 

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has spoken to his Kuwaiti counterpart Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. “Was assured that the incident would be fully investigated and that responsibility will be fixed,” Mr Jaishankar said on X. “Urged the early repatriation of the mortal remains of those who lost their lives. He emphasized that those injured were getting the requisite medical attention,” he added.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has started a helpline +965-65505246 for family members of the victims to reach out. The first list of victims’ names is expected to be out later today.

The local administration has started a probe into how more than 160 people were staying in the building. The owner of the building and also the person responsible for the workers may face action. 

The Tamil Nadu government has, meanwhile, said at least five of the victims are from the state. Chief Minister MK Stalin has expressed his condolences. KS Masthan, Tamil Nadu minister for non-resident Tamils, has said identifying the bodies is a challenge and they are waiting for official confirmation.

Indians account for 21 per cent of the total population of Kuwait, and 30 per cent of its workforce.

Actor Salman Khan has revealed that he woke up to the sound of gunshots on April 14 when two bike-borne men opened fire outside his residence in Mumbai’s Bandra. Police claim the shooters, hired by Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, had conspired to kill Mr Khan.

A four-member team, including an officer of the Mumbai Crime Branch, visited Mr Khan’s house on June 4 to record the statement of Mr Khan and his brother Arbaaz, police said. The two brothers were questioned for six hours in total. Mr Khan told police that he realised his life was in danger and thanked the officials for their help during the investigation of the case.

In his statement, Mr Khan told police that he was home on the day of the incident and had slept late after a party until late into the night. The sound of a bullet which hit his flat’s balcony woke him up, he told police. The actor said after he was jolted awake he went to the balcony to check and looked outside but did not see anyone.

Police also recorded the statement of Mr Khan’s brother Arbaaz, who was at his Juhu residence at the time of the firing, but was aware of the past threats issued by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to Mr Khan.

Mr Khan’s statement was recorded for three hours while his brother was questioned for two hours. In total, over 150 questions were asked to both brothers.

Mr Khan’s father Salim Khan was also present at home when the firing occurred but his statement has not been recorded due to his old age. According to sources, the crime branch will record his statement if required.

On April 14, two bike-borne men opened fire outside Mr Khan’s residence in Mumbai’s Bandra. After the incident, police arrested four suspects: Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, who were arrested in Gujarat, while Anuj Thapan and another individual were detained in Punjab on April 26. In total, six arrests have been made. Later, Anuj Thapan died in police custody.

According to police, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang had allegedly conspired to strike Mr Khan’s car in Maharashtra’s Panvel, armed with weapons sourced from a Pakistani arms supplier. According to police sources, jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, alongside his Canada-based cousin Anmol Bishnoi and associate Goldie Brar, had reportedly acquired AK-47s, M-16s, and other high-calibre weapons from a Pakistani arms dealer. The plan was to either ambush Mr Khan’s vehicle or attack his farmhouse in Panvel.

PM Modi to attend G7 Summit in Italy’s Puglia region from June 13-15, holding talks with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. Outreach Session on AI, Energy, and Africa-Mediterranean issues planned.