Delhi hotel fire: Building owner arrested after Malviya Nagar fire kills 21

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jun 4, 2026: Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, owner of the hotel building where a devastating fire claimed 21 lives in the Malviya Nagar area of south Delhi.

Bajaj was taken into custody hours after the blaze engulfed the Flourish Stay B&B in the congested Hauz Rani locality. Earlier, police had issued a lookout circular (LOC) against Bajaj and his wife and launched a search operation to trace them.

According to officials, the fire broke out in the five-storey building, which was allegedly operating without the mandatory fire no-objection certificate (NOC). The tragedy claimed the lives of at least 21 people, including 10 Indians, nine African nationals, and two citizens of Turkmenistan.

Investigators said the fire spread rapidly through the building, which reportedly had only one entry-exit point, permanently sealed windows, and a sensor-operated main door, hampering evacuation efforts.

A total of 58 people were rescued and shifted to hospitals, but 21 were declared dead.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the establishment was allegedly functioning far beyond its approved capacity and in violation of several safety regulations. Police sources said the property had permission to operate only six rooms under the Delhi government’s Bed and Breakfast policy but was reportedly running around 25 rooms, including units in the basement.

Authorities further alleged that additional floors had been constructed over the years without obtaining the required approvals.

An FIR has been registered under charges of culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police are also examining the role of other individuals associated with the establishment.