04 June,2026 10:09 AM IST | Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Deadly Delhi hotel fire puts spotlight on fire safety violations (Pic/PTI)
The Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of the hotel building in Malviya Nagar, on Wednesday, where a devastating fire killed 21 people and left several others injured, officials said.
According to IANS, Bajaj was arrested hours after the blaze ripped through the Flourish Stay Bread and Breakfast (B&B) in the congested Hauz Rani area in south Delhi.
Soon after the blaze broke out in Delhi, the police had earlier issued a look-out circular (LOC) against Bajaj and his wife and launched an operation to trace them.
The arrest came hours after a devastating fire broke out at the multi-storey property in south Delhi, according to IANS. Moreover, the incident prompted a large-scale investigation into alleged safety violations and operational lapses.
"In the Malviya Nagar fire incident, 49 people were admitted to hospitals. So far, 21 have died, including 9 Indians and 12 foreign nationals. Eight patients have been discharged, while others are under treatment. A case has been registered, and investigation is ongoing," DCP (South Delhi) Anant Mittal said.
The Delhi Fire Service, while issuing an official statement, said, "A fire broke out at Hotel Flourish Stays in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, affecting the basement, ground floor and 5 floors. Twenty-one people died, and 26 were injured. Victims include Indian and foreign nationals. The blaze impacted multiple floors, with heat and smoke damage, while the investigation into the incident is ongoing," as cited by IANS.
According to officials, multiple police teams had been conducting coordinated raids across several locations in the national capital to trace the accused. Following several raids, Bajaj was eventually taken into custody after sustained search operations.
Earlier, a case was registered under provisions of culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), following allegations that serious negligence and regulatory violations may have contributed to the high death toll.
Investigators are also examining the role of "three partners" reportedly associated with the operation of the hotel.
According to IANS, officials suspect that instead of the approved six rooms, nearly 25 rooms were being used to accommodate guests.
The hotel's fire safety arrangements and evacuation infrastructure are also under scrutiny.
Reports suggest the building had only one common entry and exit point, which may have severely hampered evacuation efforts as flames rapidly spread through the structure.
The fire, which broke out in the early morning hours, left 21 people dead, including 17 foreign nationals from countries such as Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique and Bangladesh.
Forty-seven people were rescued from the building, while 26 remain under treatment, officials said.
(With inputs from IANS)
