The tragedy that unfolded at Delhi's congested Anaj Mandi on Sunday and claimed 43 poor and migrant labourers is yet another dark reminder of what a nexus of a failed system, corrupt administration, and total disregard for rules can do to human lives. The victims were petty workers hailing from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and were working in illegal manufacturing units housed in a building that did not have fire safety clearances and was packed with combustible material. It was a bomb waiting to explode. And when it did, to turn into the worst fire tragedy in last two decades, the incident has yet again raised questions on the criminal neglect that authorities indulge into for the sake of a quick buck. There is no exaggeration in the expression here. It is a commonplace knowledge how rules are bent by greasing some palms without consideration of consequences. Most fire tragedies in India have brought to fore facts that were shocking but not surprising at all. Unfortunately, deaths in fire incidents has become a familiar story. And that leaves an untold pain in the heart. Like it is done in every tragedy, a perfunctory probe will be initiated and victims will be compensated. However, the root cause remains unattended. A congested building housing manufacturing units without necessary permissions, without fire safety norms installed for years is conveniently kept out of inspection by the authorities. It reflects the malaise of corruption entrenched firmly in the society. The migrant labourers included some children, which again points to the unabated practice of child labour that too in hazardous units. All this is possible only under the umbrella of a dozing system and non-chalant babudom. If precious human lives are treated with such insouciance, then it is a pathetic commentary on a sick mentality. The national capital has seen it all. The scars of Uphaar Cinema tragedy in 1997 which claimed 59 lives are still fresh. The case took a long-winding time in the courts before justice was delivered by bringing the culprits to books. More recently, blaze left 17 people dead in a hotel fire at Karol Bagh in February. Yet, no lesson has been learnt. Fire safety remains the most-neglected factor in town planning. Illegal constructions and circumvention of rules have produced hazardous structures. The cycle goes on with worrying impunity.