Hyderabad, May 18 -- For Rajendar Modi and his wife, Sumitra, life never looked better as the elderly couple enjoyed the company of their children and grandchildren, who were visiting the city for summer vacation. But the vacation turned into a nightmare.

Rajendar Modi and his wife, Sumitra, were among the 17 lives who perished in the devastating fire accident at Gulzar Houz near Charminar earlier today.

A sombre atmosphere prevailed at the Hindu Smashana Vatika (crematorium) in Puranapul on Sunday evening, as families gathered to perform the final rites of the departed souls, amid quiet prayers and tearful goodbyes.

Fifteen of the 17 victims were cremated under heavy police presence and with the Hyderabad district collector, Anudeep D...