A devastating fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel, claiming 21 lives, has revealed alleged violations including operating far beyond capacity and lacking fire safety clearance. The owner, arrested, reportedly claimed ignorance of rules and delegated operations. Investigations are underway into structural changes and ownership of multiple properties.
The owner of the hotel at the centre of Delhi’s deadly Malviya Nagar fire tragedy has sparked outrage after allegedly attempting to shift responsibility during police questioning.
Lavkesh Bajaj, owner of the Flourish Stay Bed & Breakfast in South Delhi, reportedly told investigators that another individual had advised him to make structural modifications and expand room sizes at the property. According to reports, Bajaj also remarked that “everything works in Delhi,” suggesting that violations and approvals could be managed informally.
The devastating fire, which broke out on Wednesday, claimed at least 21 lives and injured several others. Many victims were foreign nationals who had come to Delhi for medical treatment. The tragedy unfolded at the hotel located near the city’s major medical tourism hub in Malviya Nagar.
Investigators have found multiple alleged violations at the property. Reports indicate that the hotel was operating at nearly four times its approved capacity and did not possess the required fire safety clearance.
Authorities are also examining allegations of unauthorized construction, including extra floors and structural modifications made without informing civic agencies.
Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes as thick smoke engulfed the building, forcing several guests to jump from windows and terraces in a desperate attempt to escape. Emergency teams rescued dozens of people, while hospitals across South Delhi treated burn and smoke inhalation victims.
Delhi Police has registered an FIR under culpable homicide provisions, and Bajaj has been detained as the probe intensifies. A lookout circular was also reportedly issued against him and his wife amid fears they could attempt to flee.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over fire safety enforcement in Delhi, where illegal construction, overcrowding and weak compliance checks continue to plague hotels and commercial establishments.
Delhi authorities have now ordered a wider inspection drive targeting bed-and-breakfast establishments and hotels across the city to identify fire safety violations and unauthorized structures.
The tragedy has also reignited debate over accountability in India’s urban infrastructure system, with critics questioning how establishments allegedly lacking basic clearances continue to operate openly in the national capital.
