Malviya Nagar fire tragedy: Delhi Police arrest hotel owner after blaze kills 21

The Delhi Police on Wednesday arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of the Malviya Nagar hotel where a fire killed 21 people, including foreign nationals and left several others injured.

The development comes hours after the fire broke out at the multi-storey building in South Delhi.

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Following the fire tragedy, the police had issued a lookout circular against Bajaj, who had been absconding since the incident on Wednesday morning.

He was arrested after sustained search operations involving multiple police teams.

According to officials, the hotel violated building norms and illegally constructed rooms three times the permitted limit, leading to the higher number of casualties.

The police have registered a case under provisions of culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Investigators are also examining the role of “three partners” reportedly associated with the operation of the hotel.

Sources said the group is believed to run multiple hotels and guest houses across Delhi, prompting authorities to widen the scope of the probe into ownership structures, licensing compliance, and safety norms.

Preliminary findings had indicated possible violations at the property, including claims that the establishment was registered under the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) category but was allegedly operating far beyond its permitted capacity.

Officials suspect that instead of the approved six rooms, nearly 25 rooms were being used to accommodate guests.

The hotel’s fire safety arrangements and evacuation infrastructure are also under scrutiny.

Reports suggest the building had only one common entry and exit point, which may have severely hampered evacuation efforts as flames rapidly spread through the structure.