Malviya Nagar fire: Delhi Police register culpable homicide case after 21 people, including several foreigners, are killed in blaze

Locals attempt to douse a fire at a hotel. Pic/PTI

Delhi Police have registered a case under the culpable homicide provisions and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) following the devastating fire incident in Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives, reported the IANS.

According to sources, investigators have identified the hotel owner as Lokesh Bajaj. The officials are also examining the role of three business partners believed to be involved in the operation of the establishment. The partners are reportedly linked to several other hotels and guest houses across Delhi, according to the IANS.

Police and other investigative agencies are conducting a detailed inquiry into the hotel's ownership structure, operational practices and adherence to prescribed safety norms.

Officials are assessing whether any lapses in fire safety measures or building regulations may have contributed to the scale of the tragedy.

Rescue operations concludes

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (South Delhi) Jitender Kumar stated that the search and rescue operation concluded at 12:12 pm on Wednesday, as per the IANS.

"A total of 47 people were rescued. Of these, 21 have died, while 26 are currently receiving medical treatment," he said.

Emergency teams worked through the morning to evacuate occupants from the multi-storeyed Lemon Green Restaurant building following the outbreak of the fire.

AIIMS receives injured victims, rescuers

According to information provided by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, 13 patients were admitted to the hospital following the incident, as per the IANS.

Three of the injured sustained injuries after reportedly jumping from the building in an attempt to escape the flames.

The AIIMS Trauma Centre also said that 10 of the admitted patients are Delhi Police personnel, comprising five head constables and five constables. They were among the first responders who entered the burning structure during rescue efforts.

Bodies shifted for further examination

Hospital authorities stated that three bodies have been transferred to the Burns and Plastic Surgery Department for further procedures.

Senior officers from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and other rescue agencies remain at the scene, overseeing ongoing operations and the investigation into one of the capital's deadliest fire incidents in recent years, the news agency reported.

(with IANS inputs)