Malviya Nagar Fire: Hotel Owner Arrested, Blames Partner for Safety Lapses

Top Summary

• What happened: Delhi Police arrested Lovkesh Bajaj, co-owner of Hotel Flourish Stays, after a massive fire killed 21 people.
• Why it matters: The hotel allegedly ran at four times its capacity, lacked fire safety clearances, and underwent unauthorized structural expansions.
• What changes: Investigators are scanning electricity records, approvals, and ownership of multiple properties connected to the accused.
• Who is affected: Families of the 21 deceased victims and multiple injured guests currently undergoing medical treatment.

Hotel Owner Apprehended Amid Fire Investigation

The Delhi Police have arrested Lovkesh Bajaj, the co-owner of Hotel Flourish Stays in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar, following a devastating blaze on Wednesday.

Officials revealed that the bed-and-breakfast establishment was allegedly operating at nearly four times its permitted capacity when the fire broke out.

Out of the 49 people admitted to hospitals, 21 individuals died during treatment, eight have been discharged, and others remain under medical care.

Owner Blames Others and Defends Safety Compliance

During police interrogation, Bajaj admitted the premises lacked a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) but defended the legality of the building's height.

He claimed that under Rule 27 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010, residential buildings under 15 metres high do not require a Fire NOC.

Bajaj shifted the blame for daily operations and structural expansions onto another manager, telling investigators that he was assured the arrangements were routine:

"Everything works in Delhi."

He stated that day-to-day accounts, billing, and modifications were handled by another individual who assured him of the setup.

Severe Building Violations Discovered

Preliminary findings by the Delhi Fire Services suggest the fire started near the ground floor staircase, where stored materials caught fire.

Officials noted that all windows in the building were allegedly sealed, trapping occupants inside, while LPG cylinders were also recovered from the site.The critical violations identified during the probe include:

• Operating at nearly four times the permitted guest capacity
• Constructing additional floors without informing local authorities
• Having all windows sealed, limiting potential escape routes
• Failing to secure a valid Fire NOC for the commercial operation

What to Watch Next

Police are preparing to produce Bajaj in court on Thursday to seek custodial remand for deeper interrogation. Authorities will continue verifying electricity department records and structural approvals while checking other properties owned by the accused.