New Delhi, June 3
The Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of a hotel building in south Delhi where a devastating fire killed 21 people, hours after launching a search operation to trace him.
The blaze swept through the Flourish Stay B&B in the Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar early on Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, including 10 Indians, nine African nationals and two citizens of Turkmenistan, officials said.
Police had earlier issued a lookout circular against Bajaj and his wife as investigators probed allegations that the establishment was operating in violation of safety regulations.
According to officials, the fire spread rapidly through the five-storey building, which allegedly did not have the mandatory fire no-objection certificate (NOC). Investigators said the structure had only one entry and exit point, permanently sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door, factors that may have hindered evacuation efforts.
At least 58 people were rescued from the building and taken to hospitals. Twenty-one of them were later declared dead.
Investigators have alleged that the hotel was operating well beyond its permitted capacity and in breach of multiple safety norms. Police sources said the property had approval for only six rooms under the Delhi government’s Bed and Breakfast policy but was allegedly running around 25 rooms, including some in the basement.
Additional floors were also allegedly added over the years without the required permissions from authorities, the sources said.
Police have registered a case under charges of culpable homicide and other provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Officials said they are also examining the role of other individuals associated with the establishment as the investigation continues.
