The tragic disaster unfolded inside 'Flurrish Stay B&B' in the crowded Malviya Nagar area, claiming 21 lives.
A major criminal crackdown has begun in the national capital following Wednesday's devastating hotel blaze. Delhi Police investigators officially arrested property owner Lavkesh Bajaj on Thursday, invoking multiple rigorous penal charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for gross safety negligence.
The tragic disaster unfolded inside 'Flurrish Stay B&B' in the crowded Malviya Nagar area, claiming 21 lives. Among the deceased were several foreign nationals who were staying temporarily while caretaking for relatives undergoing medical treatment at nearby multi-specialty hospitals.
The ongoing forensic investigation has exposed severe structural and legal violations across the entire property. While local municipal guidelines had granted formal permission to operate just six guest rooms, the owner illegally expanded the structure to run approximately 25 rooms.
The establishment also completely lacked a mandatory fire safety No Objection Certificate (NOC), which is legally required for properties exceeding the area's strict height limits. Furthermore, investigators are analyzing how sealed windows, a lone entry-exit point, and automated sensor doors actively trapped occupants.
Consequently, authorities have registered a detailed criminal case including non-bailable sections. Bajaj faces prosecution under BNS Sections 105 for culpable homicide, 326(G) for damage by fire, and 125(A) for endangering public safety, alongside Section 287 for negligent conduct concerning fire. Officials stated that the investigation is still going on as the exact cause of the fire has not been ascertained yet.
(With Inputs from PTI)
