Hours after a devastating fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel claimed 21 lives on Wednesday, Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood directed officials to carry out inspections of all Bed and Breakfast (BnB) units and immediately seal those found violating regulations.
“No need to issue any showcause notice or give time to such owners for explanation. Just seal all the BnBs,” Sood said.
On Wednesday, Minister Ashish Sood visited the incident site and inspected the Hauz Rani area in Malviya Nagar, where the hotel was located.
Officials said the fire broke out at the Flourish Stay B&B around 8:45 am. It was initially reported at a nearby eatery but was later confirmed by police to have originated at the B&B in the densely populated locality.
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“Authorities are currently gathering all relevant documents to determine whether the building had a valid NOC, whether it had permission to operate as a hotel and restaurant, and how many rooms were authorised to be run as a BnB. The owner of this building and anyone whose negligence led to this tragedy will be identified through a police investigation and arrested immediately. Police teams have already been dispatched for this purpose,” the minister said.
“At the same time, under the supervision of the District Magistrate (DM), all concerned agencies, including the Municipal Corporation, Fire Department, Electricity Department, and Water Department, have been directed to conduct inspections across the area. Any building found to be operating in violation of safety or regulatory norms, even to the slightest extent, will be inspected by this evening and sealed if violations are confirmed. No one will be spared,” he added.
Govt Constitutes High-Level Committee To Inspect BnBs
The minister has ordered the formation of a high-level committee headed by the South District Magistrate, with officials from the fire department, MCD, power, health, and tourism departments, to inspect all BnBs in Malviya Nagar and across the national capital.
“He has asked to submit a detailed report on the number of BnBs, how many of them have been found violating rules, and how many of them have been sealed by today evening,” stated a senior official, who was present at the site along with Minister Sood.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called an urgent high-level meeting with all ministers, the chief secretary and the departments concerned.
Also Read:Delhi Hotel Fire: Owner Identified, 3 Partners Linked To Other Guest Houses Under Scanner
Taking to X, the chief minister wrote that the government is closely monitoring the situation and added that the affected families are being provided with the necessary medical assistance and support.
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the devastating fire incident in Malviya Nagar.
My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of those injured and for strength & courage to all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.…
— Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) June 3, 2026
“Immediately upon receiving information about the incident, teams of Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, DDMA, CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency response agencies were mobilised and launched rescue and relief operations. Their swift response helped in rescuing & evacuating several persons from the affected premises,” said Delhi CM.
Major Lapses Found In Delhi Hotel
The steps were taken after the fire exposed serious regulatory lapses in the hotel, with the establishment allegedly operating far beyond its permitted capacity and flouting safety norms.
According to sources, the hotel had just one entry and exit point and was operating without a fire NOC. The hotel operating on the premises was also reportedly licensed under the B&B concept, but was functioning beyond approved limits.
Also Read: At Least 21 Killed, Including Foreign Nationals, In Delhi’s Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire
Investigations have further revealed that the property was permitted under the Bed & Breakfast category for only six rooms but was allegedly operating nearly 25 rooms, far exceeding its licensed capacity, as per India Today.
The Delhi Police have registered a case of culpable homicide against unidentified persons in connection with the fire tragedy.
