In a significant development related to the Malviya Nagar hotel fire incident, Delhi Police apprehended Lavkesh Bajaj, the proprietor of the hotel building where the blaze resulted in 21 fatalities and numerous injuries. The arrest followed a massive fire outbreak at the multi-storey property in south Delhi, triggering a comprehensive investigation into alleged safety breaches and operational deficiencies.
Authorities took Bajaj into custody after an extensive search operation, subsequent to issuing a lookout circular as he had been evading law enforcement since the tragic incident. Initially, a case was filed under culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), amid accusations of severe negligence and regulatory non-compliance potentially contributing to the high death toll.
Investigations are also focusing on the involvement of “three partners” reportedly linked to the hotel’s operations, with indications that the group manages multiple lodging establishments in Delhi. This has prompted a broader inquiry into ownership structures, licensing adherence, and safety standards, as initial findings suggested possible violations at the property, including unauthorized expansion beyond the approved capacity.
Officials are scrutinizing the hotel’s fire safety measures and evacuation setup, noting concerns about the limited entry and exit points that may have impeded rescue efforts as the flames rapidly engulfed the building. The fire, which erupted in the early morning hours, claimed the lives of 21 individuals, including 17 foreign nationals from countries like Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Bangladesh. While 47 people were rescued, 26 individuals are still receiving medical treatment.
