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Delhi Police has arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, owner of the hotel building in Malviya Nagar where a devastating fire killed 21 people on Wednesday, officials said.
Bajaj was arrested hours after the blaze ripped through the Flourish Stay B&B in the congested Hauz Rani area in south Delhi.
Police had earlier issued a look out circular (LOC) against Bjaja and his wife, and launched an operation to trace them.
According to a News18 report, the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) soon received information about the incident and immediately dispatched firefighting and rescue teams to the spot.
In its initial statement, the Delhi Fire Service said 37 people were rescued from the basement of the building and shifted to hospitals through CATS ambulances.
According to Delhi Police, 21 persons have been killed, and 37 were evacuated from the building and admitted to hospitals for treatment. Out of the 21 deceased, majority of them were foreigners, the police said. However, their exact number is yet to be confirmed.
Joint CP South Vijay Kumar told CNN News18 that police is in touch with the embassies of the deceased foreign nationals. "We're trying to establish their identity. Majority of the documents at the spot are all burnt," he said.
He said that police teams are locating the owner of the property.
"Apart from this, teams are at the spot and we're closely working with fire teams to identify the cause of fire and for registration of a case," Kumar said.
According to the report, the restaurant had been granted a licence by the Delhi government under the "Bed and Breakfast" category. Under the terms of the licence, permission was reportedly given for only six rooms.
However, preliminary information suggests that the property was allegedly operating around 25 rooms, including several located in the basement. Further, the hotel had only one common entry and exit point.
Authorities are expected to examine whether any violations of licensing and safety norms contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
This building does not function as a standalone residential complex. According to the report, most of the occupants in the building were individuals whose known people were being treated in the Max Hospital located directly across the street.
In a statement, Max Hospital said that it received 39 patients at its Emergency Department following the incident.
The hospital said that the victims suffered from asphyxiation, along with varying degrees of burn injuries and fractures. Of the 39 patients brought to the facility, 18 were declared dead on arrival. Fifteen patients are currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including eight who are on ventilator support and remain in critical condition.
Five patients with minor injuries were treated and discharged after receiving primary medical care, while one severely injured patient was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital due to extensive burns. The deceased include both Indian and foreign nationals.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the fire.
In a statement, Gupta extended her condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The CM said that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all necessary medical assistance and support are provided to the affected families.
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor (LG) Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that he was deeply distressed by the tragedy and conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
He said police, civil administration and fire department teams were conducting rescue and relief operations at the site. The LG added that officials had been directed to ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured and carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.
Expressing sorrow at the fire incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. He said that authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.
Reacting to the deadly fire, Home Minister Amit Shah said that he was deeply disturbed by the incident, and assured that best medical facilities will be provided to the injured persons.
Defence minister Rajnath Singh also expressed grief over the incident. "My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. I pray to God that He grants them the strength to bear this immense sorrow," he said.
- At 8:20 AM, local residents observed smoke billowing from the 'Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast' establishment; some also heard sounds emanating from the premises. Within a few minutes, people witnessed flames erupting from the building.
- At 8:48 AM, the Delhi Police were alerted via a phone call.
- Subsequently, at 8:50 AM, the Delhi Fire Service was informed about the fire at the restaurant.
- Within 10 to 15 minutes, a team from the Delhi Fire Service arrived at the scene.
- At 9:45 AM, the Delhi Fire Service rescued three individuals and brought them out of the building.
- By 11:25 AM, all 37 people trapped inside the building had been evacuated; of these, 21 lost their lives.
- The Control Room was informed at 11:25 AM that the fire had been brought completely under control.
- The injured were admitted to Max Hospital, Saket.
Bajaj was arrested hours after the blaze ripped through the Flourish Stay B&B in the congested Hauz Rani area in south Delhi.
Police had earlier issued a look out circular (LOC) against Bjaja and his wife, and launched an operation to trace them.
According to a News18 report, the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) soon received information about the incident and immediately dispatched firefighting and rescue teams to the spot.
VIDEO | Delhi: Fire broke out at Flourish Stay in Malviya Nagar. Fire tenders and ambulances carry out a rescue operation. Death toll reaches 18.
(Source: Third Party)#Fire #Delhi
(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) https://t.co/dB5JttEvOJ pic.twitter.com/mmtJUAMCny
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 3, 2026
In its initial statement, the Delhi Fire Service said 37 people were rescued from the basement of the building and shifted to hospitals through CATS ambulances.
'Majority of foreign nationals'
According to Delhi Police, 21 persons have been killed, and 37 were evacuated from the building and admitted to hospitals for treatment. Out of the 21 deceased, majority of them were foreigners, the police said. However, their exact number is yet to be confirmed.
Joint CP South Vijay Kumar told CNN News18 that police is in touch with the embassies of the deceased foreign nationals. "We're trying to establish their identity. Majority of the documents at the spot are all burnt," he said.
He said that police teams are locating the owner of the property.
"Apart from this, teams are at the spot and we're closely working with fire teams to identify the cause of fire and for registration of a case," Kumar said.
Hotel allegedly operating beyond licensed capacity
According to the report, the restaurant had been granted a licence by the Delhi government under the "Bed and Breakfast" category. Under the terms of the licence, permission was reportedly given for only six rooms.
However, preliminary information suggests that the property was allegedly operating around 25 rooms, including several located in the basement. Further, the hotel had only one common entry and exit point.
Authorities are expected to examine whether any violations of licensing and safety norms contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
This building does not function as a standalone residential complex. According to the report, most of the occupants in the building were individuals whose known people were being treated in the Max Hospital located directly across the street.
'18 brought dead, 15 critical in ICU'
In a statement, Max Hospital said that it received 39 patients at its Emergency Department following the incident.
The hospital said that the victims suffered from asphyxiation, along with varying degrees of burn injuries and fractures. Of the 39 patients brought to the facility, 18 were declared dead on arrival. Fifteen patients are currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), including eight who are on ventilator support and remain in critical condition.
Five patients with minor injuries were treated and discharged after receiving primary medical care, while one severely injured patient was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital due to extensive burns. The deceased include both Indian and foreign nationals.
Government expresses grief, assures support
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the fire.
In a statement, Gupta extended her condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
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
The CM said that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all necessary medical assistance and support are provided to the affected families.
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor (LG) Taranjit Singh Sandhu said that he was deeply distressed by the tragedy and conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Deeply distressed by the tragic fire at a hotel in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar. My thoughts and condolences are with the families of the deceased, and I join all in praying for the swift recovery of those injured. Police, civil and fire rescue teams are currently on-site conducting…
— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) June 3, 2026
He said police, civil administration and fire department teams were conducting rescue and relief operations at the site. The LG added that officials had been directed to ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured and carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.
Condolences pour in after deadly fire
Expressing sorrow at the fire incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased. He said that authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.
The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected.
An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 3, 2026
Reacting to the deadly fire, Home Minister Amit Shah said that he was deeply disturbed by the incident, and assured that best medical facilities will be provided to the injured persons.
दिल्ली के मालवीय नगर में आग लगने की घटना से मन अत्यंत व्यथित है। स्थानीय प्रशासन राहत एवं बचाव कार्य में जुटा हुआ है। इस हृदयविदारक घटना में जिन लोगों ने अपने परिजनों को खोया है, मेरी संवेदनाएँ उनके साथ हैं। ईश्वर शोकाकुल परिवारों को यह दु:ख सहने की शक्ति प्रदान करें। घायलों को…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 3, 2026
Defence minister Rajnath Singh also expressed grief over the incident. "My deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. I pray to God that He grants them the strength to bear this immense sorrow," he said.
Timeline of the fire incident
- At 8:20 AM, local residents observed smoke billowing from the 'Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast' establishment; some also heard sounds emanating from the premises. Within a few minutes, people witnessed flames erupting from the building.
- At 8:48 AM, the Delhi Police were alerted via a phone call.
- Subsequently, at 8:50 AM, the Delhi Fire Service was informed about the fire at the restaurant.
- Within 10 to 15 minutes, a team from the Delhi Fire Service arrived at the scene.
- At 9:45 AM, the Delhi Fire Service rescued three individuals and brought them out of the building.
- By 11:25 AM, all 37 people trapped inside the building had been evacuated; of these, 21 lost their lives.
- The Control Room was informed at 11:25 AM that the fire had been brought completely under control.
- The injured were admitted to Max Hospital, Saket.
