Malviya Nagar Fire: Hotel Owner Lavkesh Bajaj Arrested

Previous to the blaze, there had been a Look Out Circular for Bajaj and his wife, as investigators were cracking down more on the people responsible for working in the hotel that the fire began at. 

Bajaj Blames Others for Hotel Operations

Bajaj alleged he had resigned day-to-day management of the establishment to someone else, responsible for accounting, billing and general management of the hotel. 

He also told the police that he was advised by a person whose identity was not revealed that increases in room size and other structural alterations be implemented and that those changes were standard practice in Delhi. 

Fire Claims 21 Lives, Foreigners Among Victims

On Wednesday morning, 21 people, some of them foreigners, perished in the blaze that consumed the establishment in Hauz Rani, South Delhi. 12 foreign nationals were among those injured, with many being in the hotel during patient care in nearby hospitals.

As reported by the Bangladesh High Commission, five Bangladeshi nationals have been injured. 

Probe Finds Major Safety and Building Violations

According to reports from investigations and Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood, the guest house was operated without a fire No-Objection Certificate (NOC) necessary by law and had defied multiple safety regulations. Reportedly, the facility had one entrance point to the building. The main door, sensor operated, and fixed windows blocked rapid evacuation by hotel guests. 

Investigators also uncovered signs the property was operating beyond its permissible threshold; the property was said to have had just authorization for six rooms using its Bed and Breakfast policy but had reportedly been operating around 25 rooms. The authorities had apparently not approved an increment of floors above the permissible limit. 

Delhi CM Promises Strict Action, FIR Registered

Delhi CMO warned the oversight that resulted in the fatal Malviya Nagar hotel blaze would be dealt with utmost gravity, and whoever is held accountable would bear the consequences. 

Delhi Police have lodged an FIR and charged the parties responsible based on sections for culpable homicide and relevant sections of the BNS. They are also investigating the culpability of others connected with the property.