NEW DELHI: Delhi Police arrested hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj on Wednesday, hours after a devastating fire at the Flourish Stay hotel in Malviya Nagar claimed 21 lives and left several others injured. The arrest came as investigators began examining allegations of serious safety lapses and possible violations of building and fire regulations at the property.
The tragic blaze broke out in the early hours at the hotel building, triggering panic among guests who were asleep when flames and thick smoke rapidly spread through the premises. Emergency services rushed to the scene and launched a large-scale rescue operation. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours while police and disaster response teams evacuated survivors from the smoke-filled structure.
Officials said many of the victims succumbed to smoke inhalation, while others suffered severe burn injuries. The death toll rose as rescue personnel searched the building floor by floor. Several of the injured remain under treatment at hospitals across the city.
Soon after the incident, attention turned to the hotel’s management. Police registered a criminal case and initiated a probe into whether negligence played a role in the tragedy. According to investigators, hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj was taken into custody after being traced by law enforcement agencies. Authorities had reportedly intensified efforts to locate him as questions mounted over the hotel’s compliance with safety norms.
Preliminary investigations have indicated that the establishment may have been operating without adhering to mandatory fire safety requirements. Officials are examining whether the building possessed valid clearances and whether adequate emergency measures, including functioning fire-fighting equipment and accessible escape routes, were available for guests.
Investigators are also looking into allegations that the hotel had exceeded approved occupancy limits and may have undergone structural modifications without proper authorization. Such violations, if proven, could have worsened the impact of the fire and hindered evacuation efforts during the emergency.
Police have registered an FIR under relevant sections dealing with culpable homicide and negligence. Senior officers stated that all aspects of the incident are being investigated, including the role of the hotel management, licensing authorities, and any individuals responsible for ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as guests attempted to escape from rooms engulfed by smoke. Some survivors reportedly used windows and balconies to flee the building. Residents of the area also assisted rescue teams during the operation by helping evacuate trapped occupants.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over fire safety standards in hotels, guest houses, and commercial establishments across Delhi. Experts have pointed to the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and regular inspections to prevent similar incidents.
Government authorities have ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the disaster. Teams from multiple departments are expected to review the hotel’s approvals, operational records, and safety certifications. Officials have assured that strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for violations that contributed to the loss of life.
The arrest of Lovkesh Bajaj marks a significant development in the investigation, which is now focused on establishing accountability for one of Delhi’s deadliest hotel fires in recent years. As investigators gather evidence and question those linked to the property, families of the victims continue to seek answers about how such a tragedy was allowed to occur despite existing safety regulations.
The probe is expected to determine whether criminal negligence, regulatory failures, or deliberate violations were responsible for the catastrophic loss of life at the Malviya Nagar hotel.
