The Delhi Police have apprehended Lavkesh Bajaj, the proprietor of the hotel building in Malviya Nagar, where a tragic fire claimed 21 lives and injured many others. Bajaj’s arrest followed the devastating blaze at the Flourish Stay Bread and Breakfast (B&B) in the crowded Hauz Rani area of south Delhi.
Authorities had issued a look out circular against Bajaj and his wife, launching a search operation to locate them. The arrest of Bajaj occurred subsequent to the fire outbreak at the multi-storey establishment in south Delhi, triggering a comprehensive investigation into potential safety breaches and operational deficiencies.
In the aftermath of the Malviya Nagar fire incident, 49 individuals were hospitalized, with 21 fatalities reported, including 9 Indian nationals and 12 foreigners. While eight patients have been discharged, others are still receiving medical care. Anant Mittal, DCP (South Delhi), confirmed the registration of a case and the ongoing investigative process.
The Delhi Fire Service disclosed that a fire had erupted at Hotel Flourish Stays in Malviya Nagar, affecting multiple floors from the basement to the fifth level. The blaze resulted in 21 deaths and 26 injuries, involving both Indian and foreign victims. The incident caused extensive heat and smoke damage, prompting an ongoing inquiry into the matter.
Multiple police teams conducted coordinated raids across various locations in the capital city to locate the accused, leading to the eventual arrest of Bajaj following sustained search efforts. A case had been filed earlier under culpable homicide provisions and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), amid allegations of severe negligence and regulatory non-compliance contributing to the tragic loss of lives.
