A preliminary investigation into the fire that tore through a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar and left 21 people dead has pointed to a possible electrical short circuit, even as police intensified efforts on Thursday to trace the hotel’s manager and widen their probe into alleged safety violations at the property.
The focus of the investigation has now shifted beyond the cause of the blaze to the manner in which the establishment was being run. Police have already arrested owner Lovkesh Bajaj and are examining whether regulatory lapses, unauthorised alterations and inadequate safety measures contributed to one of the capital’s deadliest hotel fires in recent years.
During questioning, Bajaj is reported to have told police that he left the area while the hotel was on fire. According to media reports, he drove past the burning building without stopping and later said he had fled out of fear.
Probe finds no evidence of LPG cylinder explosion
According to Delhi Police sources, the hotel had two kitchens, one in the basement and another on the top floor, with LPG cylinders stored at both locations. However, investigators have so far found no indication that a cylinder explosion triggered the fire.
Sources said the intensity and spread of the blaze were consistent with fires that originate from an electrical short circuit within a building’s wiring system. A detailed forensic examination is underway to determine the exact sequence of events.
Police searching for hotel manager
The development comes as Delhi Police conduct search operations across different parts of the city to locate the hotel’s manager, who remains untraceable.
An FIR has been registered against Bajaj at Malviya Nagar Police Station under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, causing damage through fire, endangering life and negligent conduct involving combustible material.
During questioning, Bajaj allegedly told investigators that he was not personally involved in the day-to-day functioning of the hotel and had delegated operational responsibilities, including billing, accounts and management, to another individual.
Police sources said he also claimed that modifications to the building, including room alterations and expansion work, were carried out on the advice of others.
Fire NOC missing, compliance records under scrutiny
Investigators have learnt during questioning that the premises did not possess a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Officials are now examining records from the electricity department and other agencies to verify approvals, permissions and compliance related to the property. The probe is also looking into ownership and operational control of other properties linked to the accused.
Fresh findings have raised additional concerns over the hotel’s operations. According to investigators, Bajaj had obtained permission under the Bed-and-Breakfast scheme, which allows only six rooms to be operated. However, the establishment was allegedly running nearly 25 rooms, including several in the basement.
Police sources said Bajaj had purchased the property in 2022 from a previous owner and later converted it into a hotel-cum-guest house. The building had earlier housed a Khadi store.
17 injured undergoing treatment
Among the 21 victims were 12 foreign nationals and nine Indians. Seventeen people injured in the blaze are currently undergoing treatment.
BJP MLA Satish Upadhyay, who visited the affected site and hospitals, said the administration’s immediate focus was on the recovery of survivors.
“There are a total of 17 injured people receiving treatment. Our foremost concern is their well-being. Some of them are from countries such as Kenya, Cameroon, and Bangladesh. We must ensure that they receive the best possible medical care. The Chief Minister has personally interacted with all of them,” he said.
Upadhyay added that the condition of the injured had improved compared to the previous day.