Roof exit blocked, cooking heaters found in fire-hit hotel rooms: Police
Delhi Police on Thursday inspected the fire-damaged hotel in Malviya Nagar. Officers found that the roof exit was blocked and cooking heaters were present in several guest rooms.
These findings are now central to the investigation into the incident, which left 21 dead. After the inspection, police formed five teams to trace and arrest the absconding manager, Jai Mishra.
Officials said investigators are examining possible violations of building regulations. They are also looking into fire safety lapses and unauthorised construction.
Authorities are reviewing the bed-and-breakfast’s ownership. Investigators are assessing what led to the high number of deaths.
A police officer said, “We are questioning locals, shopkeepers, hotel staff, and other witnesses as part of the investigation.”
Police have issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) for hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and his wife due to concerns they may attempt to leave the country. Bajaj was arrested on Wednesday night. LOC was opened as a precautionary measure even after his arrest, a police official said.
Bajaj told police that he had transferred hotel management and obtained all related licenses in Mishra’s name.
Police sources indicated that Bajaj was the actual owner, with the ‘bed-and-breakfast’ license obtained in Jai Mishra’s name.
The fire broke out on Wednesday morning at Flourish Stay B&B. Twenty-one people died, many of them foreign nationals, and dozens were injured.
Investigators said blocked roof access may have stopped people from escaping as smoke filled the five-storey building.
The use of cooking heaters in several rooms is under review. Officials said the CFSL team will return to the site for a detailed examination to determine the cause of the fire.
Police are searching for a key eyewitness, Kesar Singh, whose statement is important for establishing how the fire started and spread. Investigators have found alleged large-scale operational violations at the property. Bajaj bought the property from Ahluwalia in 2022, when it had 2.5 floors.
He later added more floors, making it nearly five storeys. Police believe Bajaj may try to leave the country, as both his children live abroad.
Police sources said Bajaj first rented rooms and got a license for a tea shop. He later converted the property into a bed-and-breakfast, which operated beyond its permitted use.
Sources said that in 2022, Bajaj hired Mishra, a former accountant, to manage daily operations and accounts. This move formalised the distinction between ownership and management.
The establishment was authorised to operate six rooms, but allegedly used about 25 rooms, including some in the basement. This is one of the main violations under investigation.
Officials said mandatory fire safety clearance was missing. The building also allegedly exceeded the height limit, both requiring certification from Delhi Fire Services.
The structure included a restaurant on the ground floor and guest accommodation in the basement and upper floors.
The entry-exit point and a sensor-operated main door hindered evacuation efforts. The owner, Lavkesh Bajaj, and investigators are reviewing claims that sealed windows, a single entry-exit point, and a sensor-operated main door hindered evacuation efforts.
Police have charged owner Lavkesh Bajaj with culpable homicide. Additional charges include sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 326(g) (mischief by fire), 324(5) (wrongful damage of property), 125(a) (negligent act endangering life), 125(b) (grievous hurt by negligence), and 287 BNS (negligent conduct with respect to fire).
Police officials involved in the investigation said, “We will examine the roles of all individuals involved in the property’s ownership, management, and licensing.” They will follow formalities to ensure proper identification. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
