Hotel owner arrested after Delhi fire blaze

Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of the hotel, has been arrested in connection with the devastating Malviya Nagar fire that resulted in 21 deaths and numerous injuries, according to the Times of India. 

Investigators have uncovered alleged safety and licensing violations, including operating far beyond approved capacity and running the establishment without a fire NOC.

A devastating fire at the Flourish Stay B&B in Delhi's Malviya Nagar claimed at least 21 lives and left dozens injured, triggering a major investigation into alleged safety violations. Delhi Police have arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and registered a case of culpable homicide.

According to the probe, the establishment had approval for only six rooms under the Delhi government's Bed & Breakfast policy but was allegedly running around 25 rooms, including accommodation in the basement. Authorities also suspect that additional floors were constructed without obtaining the required approvals.

Investigators are examining allegations that the hotel was operating beyond its permitted capacity, lacked adequate evacuation routes, had permanently sealed windows, a sensor-operated main door, and only one entry-exit point. Authorities are also probing whether these factors worsened the impact of the fire.

Officials said the five-storey building had only a single entry-exit point, small room windows and limited escape options. The hotel's congested location and overhead electric cables are also being examined for their impact on rescue and firefighting operations.