As investigators dig deeper into the deadly Malviya Nagar fire that claimed 21 lives, arrested hotel co-owner, Lovkesh Bajaj, has told Delhi Police that he was not directly involved in the day-to-day functioning of the establishment and had entrusted its management to others, news agency ANI mentioned sources as saying on Thursday.
The questioning assumes significance as police attempt to piece together how a bed-and-breakfast facility operating in a densely populated South Delhi neighbourhood allegedly functioned without mandatory safety clearances. Investigators are also examining whether decisions related to structural modifications and daily operations contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
According to sources, Bajaj told investigators that another person was handling billing, accounts and overall management of the premises. He also allegedly claimed that changes made to the property, including enlarging rooms and carrying out modifications, had been suggested by someone who assured him that such arrangements were common and would not create any issues.
During interrogation, Bajaj is learnt to have admitted that the premises did not possess a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), a key aspect now under scrutiny as authorities probe possible lapses in safety compliance.
Police are verifying records from the electricity department and other agencies to establish whether the property had obtained the required permissions and approvals. Investigators are also examining documents related to structural alterations carried out at the premises.
Sources said the probe has widened to include multiple properties linked to the accused, with police looking into ownership patterns, operational control and compliance records.
Bajaj is expected to be produced before a court later on Thursday. Delhi Police is likely to seek his custodial interrogation to verify statements made during questioning and determine whether other individuals were involved in managing or operating the establishment.
The arrest comes a day after Delhi Police took Bajaj, co-owner of Hotel Flourish Stays, into custody in connection with the devastating blaze that swept through the property in Malviya Nagar. Police had earlier issued a Lookout Circular against Bajaj and his wife.
According to official figures, 49 people were admitted to hospitals after the fire. Twenty-one of them later succumbed to their injuries. The deceased include 12 foreign nationals and nine Indian citizens.
Authorities said eight injured persons have been discharged following treatment, while several others remain admitted to hospitals.
What preliminary findings suggest about the fire
Preliminary observations by Delhi Fire Services indicate that the blaze may have started near the staircase on the ground floor, where combustible material was reportedly stored. Investigators believe the flames may have quickly spread through the building from there.
Sources further claimed that windows in the building had been sealed, severely limiting escape options for occupants as smoke and flames engulfed the premises. Firefighters also recovered LPG cylinders during rescue operations.
Officials have said a detailed forensic examination is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to one of the deadliest fire tragedies in the national capital in recent years.