NEW DELHI: The proprietor of a south Delhi hotel where a devastating fire claimed 21 lives reportedly drove past the engulfed building shortly after the blaze erupted but chose not to stop and assist in rescue operations, citing fear as his reason.
According to television reports, Lavkesh Bajaj, owner of the Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar, told investigators during questioning that he had passed by the hotel after the fire broke out on Wednesday morning but continued on his way, too frightened to intervene. Delhi Police have booked Bajaj on multiple serious charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as part of their ongoing probe into the tragedy.
The hotel manager remains untraceable. On Thursday, teams from Delhi Police, including crime branch officers and forensic experts, conducted a detailed search of the charred premises to piece together the sequence of events leading to one of the capital’s worst hotel fires in recent memory. The area around the building was cordoned off while investigators gathered evidence and interviewed local residents, shopkeepers, hotel employees, and other witnesses.
A police officer confirmed that statements were being recorded from all relevant individuals to build a comprehensive picture of the incident.
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Authorities are also scrutinising potential violations of building regulations and fire safety norms that may have contributed to the high casualty count. The establishment reportedly had official permission for only six rooms but was allegedly running around 25, including accommodations in the basement. Officials are verifying claims that additional floors were added without necessary approvals.
Investigators are further examining whether the building possessed a mandatory fire no-objection certificate (NOC). Structural issues are under the scanner, including allegations of sealed windows, a single entry and exit point, and a sensor-operated main door that may have severely hampered evacuation efforts as smoke and flames spread rapidly.
The fire broke out early Wednesday at the Flourish Stay B&B, resulting in 21 deaths and dozens of injuries. Many guests were visitors to the city from outside Delhi, including foreign nationals accompanying relatives receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
Police have invoked several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the case: 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 326(g) (mischief by fire), 324(5) (wrongful damage to property), 125(a) and 125(b) (negligent acts endangering life and causing grievous hurt), and 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire).
The investigation continues as authorities seek to determine the full extent of safety lapses that turned the hotel into a death trap.
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