Lavkesh Bajaj, owner of the Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar, was arrested and booked under multiple charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as authorities intensify their probe into one of the deadliest hotel fires in the capital in recent years.
According to television reports, Bajaj told investigators during questioning that he passed by the hotel after the blaze had already broken out. However, instead of stopping to help with rescue efforts, he allegedly left the area, citing fear as the reason for his actions.
Meanwhile, the hotel's manager remains absconding, and police teams are continuing efforts to locate him.
On Thursday, Delhi Police personnel, crime branch officers, and forensic experts conducted a detailed examination of the charred premises to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. The area surrounding the hotel remained cordoned off as investigators gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses.
“Local residents, shopkeepers, hotel staff, and other witnesses are also being questioned as part of the investigation,” a police officer said.
A case has been registered under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 326(g) (mischief by fire), Section 324(5) (wrongful damage to property), Sections 125(a) and 125(b) relating to negligent acts endangering human life and causing grievous hurt, as well as Section 287 concerning negligent conduct with respect to fire.
Investigators are examining whether violations of building regulations and fire safety norms contributed to the high death toll. Preliminary findings suggest the establishment was authorized to operate only six rooms but was allegedly running nearly 25 rooms, including accommodations in the basement.
Authorities are also verifying reports that additional floors may have been constructed without obtaining the necessary approvals from civic authorities.
Another key focus of the investigation is whether the building lacked a mandatory fire No-Objection Certificate (NOC). Officials are further assessing whether structural shortcomings hampered evacuation efforts during the emergency.
Investigators are probing allegations that sealed windows, a single entry-exit point, and a sensor-operated main door may have trapped occupants inside as flames rapidly engulfed the building.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday at the Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar, killing 21 people and injuring dozens more. Many of the victims were reportedly visitors from outside Delhi, including foreign nationals who had come to the city to accompany relatives undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to determine the exact cause of the blaze and establish accountability for the significant loss of life.
