Investigators are delving into the details surrounding the tragic fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar that resulted in 21 fatalities. The focus has shifted to Lokesh Bajaj, the hotel’s owner, and the management practices in place. Delhi Police are actively searching for Bajaj, deploying multiple teams across the city to locate him.
A case has been filed against Lokesh Bajaj under culpable homicide charges and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Authorities are also looking into the involvement of three partners associated with the hotel’s operations. These partners are known to collectively manage various hotels and guest houses in Delhi.
The investigation has broadened its scope to include ownership structures, licensing compliance, and operational procedures. Initial findings suggest possible violations at the hotel, which was registered under the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) category but was allegedly accommodating more guests than permitted. The restaurant operations of the hotel are also under scrutiny to determine if they exceeded licensed parameters.
One critical aspect being probed is the fire safety and emergency preparedness of the building. Officials have noted that the hotel had limited entry and exit points, potentially impeding evacuation efforts during the fire outbreak. Concerns have been raised regarding inadequate escape routes, overcrowding, and other safety deficiencies that may have contributed to the high casualty count.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of 21 individuals, including 17 foreign nationals from countries like Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Bangladesh. While 47 people were rescued from the premises, 26 are currently receiving medical treatment. Rescue operations were officially concluded by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (South Delhi), Jitender Kumar, around noon. Additionally, several injured individuals, including police personnel involved in the initial response, have been admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi.
