A heartbreaking tragedy struck Kota on Sunday. September 28, when 10-year-old child actor Veer Sharma, known for his role in the television series Veer Hanuman, and his elder brother Shaurya Sharma lost
their lives in a fire at their home. The two boys were asleep in their apartment when thick smoke filled the flat, leaving them with no chance to escape.
The sudden loss of two young lives, one a rising actor loved on screen, the other a bright student dreaming of an IIT seat, has left their family and neighbours in shock.
How the fire broke out
Initial reports suggest the blaze began in the drawing room of the family’s fourth-floor flat. The fire did not spread to other parts of the apartment, but thick smoke quickly engulfed the space. Police believe the brothers, who were asleep at the time, died of suffocation before help could reach them.
Neighbours noticed smoke seeping from the apartment and rushed to assist. They forced open the door and attempted to pull the boys out. Both children were taken to a nearby hospital but were declared dead on arrival.
At the time of the tragedy, the boys’ father, Jitendra Sharma, a teacher at a Kota coaching institute, was attending a bhajan programme, while their mother, actress Rita Sharma, was in Mumbai.
Cause under investigation
Superintendent of Police Tejeshwani Goutam said that an electrical fault is the likely cause, though investigations are ongoing. “The drawing room was completely gutted, while other areas of the flat bore burn marks,” she confirmed.
Station House Officer Bhupendra Singh also supported the possibility of a short-circuit leading to the fire.
Authorities have registered an FIR under Section 194 of the BNSS Act. Investigators are examining the source of the fire and whether electrical negligence was involved.
Final rites
After Rita Sharma returned to Kota, the children’s bodies were handed over to the family. Reports confirmed that the boys’ eyes were donated to an eye bank in accordance with their parents’ wishes.
Promising futures cut short
Veer Sharma, just 10 years old, had earned recognition for portraying young Lakshman in Veer Hanuman. He was also set to appear as the childhood version of actor Saif Ali Khan in an upcoming film. His brother Shaurya, meanwhile, was preparing for the highly competitive IIT entrance examination.