Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
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.
advertisement
The building’s design is under scrutiny, with officials pointing to a single entry-exit point, sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door that may have hampered evacuation efforts. The five-storey structure quickly filled with smoke and heat, trapping many occupants inside.
The victims included Indians as well as foreign nationals, many of whom were staying near hospitals where relatives were receiving treatment. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have started in the ground-floor restaurant after electrical equipment was switched on.
TOP POINTS
-
Hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj arrested
Delhi Police arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, owner of the Flourish Stay B&B building, in connection with the fire tragedy. Earlier, police had issued a Look-Out Circular against Bajaj and his wife to prevent them from leaving the country while multiple teams searched for them.
-
FIR registered, more accused under probe
Police have registered an FIR under charges of culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The investigation is examining whether regulatory violations and negligence contributed to the deaths
-
Delhi orders massive fire safety crackdown
In response to the tragedy, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu ordered a month-long citywide inspection drive covering hotels, lodges, nursing homes, coaching centres and restaurants. Authorities will also identify narrow lanes and chokepoints that hinder access for fire tenders.
-
Hotel was running beyond its capicity
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.
-
Many victims were foreign nationals
Among the dead were 12 foreign nationals, many of whom were staying at the hotel while relatives underwent treatment at nearby hospitals. The Bangladesh High Commission confirmed that five Bangladeshi nationals were injured.
-
Building design hampered escape
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. Officials found that the building was originally much smaller but additional floors were allegedly added over the years without approvals and without informing authorities.
-
Delhi govt forms panel after incident
The Delhi government has swung into action following the deadly Malviya Nagar hotel fire and constituted a joint committee to investigate safety violations and inspect similar establishments across the capital.
-
Hotel had no fire NOC
Investigators say the hotel was operating without the mandatory Fire Safety No Objection Certificate (NOC) despite being over 15 metres tall, making such clearance legally mandatory.
-
Death toll reaches 21
Authorities confirmed that 21 people died in the blaze. Officials said several victims were foreign nationals. The deceased included Indian citizens, African nationals and two citizens of Turkmenistan, while efforts continue to establish the identities of all victims. Many guests had reportedly come to the area for medical treatment or to accompany relatives admitted to nearby hospitals.
-
Other key developments
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the government is coordinating with foreign embassies and providing assistance to affected nationals. The Delhi Government has identified18 properties in Malviya Nagar. Major sealing action may take place in several areas of Delhi tomorrow.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
