Malviya Nagar restaurant fire: Delhi Police hunt restaurant owner, launch raids

Senior officials from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services, and other emergency agencies remain present at the site and are closely monitoring the situation. (Pic/ AP)

A fire broke out at a multi-storied Lemon Green Restaurant in Delhi's Malviya Nagar, claiming the lives of 21 people. In response, the Delhi Police on Wednesday formed multiple teams to apprehend the restaurant owner, reported IANS.

rn

Officials said coordinated raids are being conducted at several locations across the national capital to trace and arrest the accused.

rn

Hotel owner identified, charged with culpable homicide

rn

According to sources, the hotel owner has been identified as Lokesh Bajaj.

rn

Earlier, Delhi Police registered a case under culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the Malviya Nagar fire incident.

rn

IANS sources also revealed that three partners are involved in the hotel's operations and allegedly own several other hotels and guesthouses across the city.

rn

Police and investigative agencies are examining the establishment's ownership structure, operations, and safety compliance.

rn

21 dead, majority foreign nationals

rn

Authorities confirmed that 21 people lost their lives in the blaze, including 17 foreign nationals.

rn

Most of the deceased were from Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Bangladesh, officials said.

rn

Earlier, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) (South Delhi) Jitender Kumar confirmed that 21 people died in the tragedy.

rn

He also stated that out of the 47 people rescued, 26 are currently undergoing treatment.

rn

Speaking to the news agency, SDM Kumar said, "Our search and rescue operation was completed at 12:12 p.m. A total of 47 people were rescued, of whom 21 have died, and 26 are undergoing treatment."

rn

Injured include rescuers and police personnel

rn

According to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, 13 patients were admitted to the hospital.

rn

Three of them sustained injuries after jumping from a height while attempting to escape.

rn

The AIIMS Trauma Centre also confirmed that 10 of the admitted patients are rescuers, all Delhi Police personnel, five head constables and five constables, who were among the first to enter the building.

rn

Three deceased have been shifted to the Burns and Plastic Surgery Department.

rn

Senior officials from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services, and other emergency agencies remain present at the site and are closely monitoring the situation.

rn

(With IANS inputs)