# Vile Parle fire: Domestic help dies shielding toddler from smoke

2026-08-13T00:34:22+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

A domestic worker, Ankita Chhetri (23), died shielding a two-year-old boy, Abir Batavia, from a fire that broke out on the 11th floor of Shanta Bhuvan in Vile Parle. Police say she grabbed the toddler and took shelter in a bathroom as flames spread. Both were found unconscious and later declared dead at Nanavati Hospital. Postmortem results confirm both died of smoke inhalation. Chhetri's body remained unclaimed at the morgue for two days because her parents, who live in West Bengal, could not give consent. A former employer finally helped her aunt Kamla claim the body on Thursday evening. Four other members of the Batavia family were treated and discharged. A case of accidental death has been registered at Santacruz police station.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/vile-parle-building-fire-domestic-help-likely-tried-to-save-toddler-both-choked-to-death/articleshow/133191254.cms>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/after-days-at-morgue-former-employer-helps-family-claim-body-of-domestic-worker-killed-in-vile-parle-fire/articleshow/133219595.cms>

Tags: accidental death, asphyxiation, domestic help, Mumbai building safety, toddler death, Vile Parle fire
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