A Delhi court on Thursday held that the arrest of the owner of the Malviya Nagar bed-and-breakfast where a fire killed 21 people was lawful and granted police four days’ custody of the accused for further
investigation.
Seeking police custody, Delhi Police told the court that several hotel staff members were yet to be examined and alleged that the accused had disclosed only two names while withholding details of other employees working at the premises.
The prosecution argued that the accused could influence staff members who are yet to be questioned and said custodial interrogation was necessary to ascertain the roles of all those involved.
Police further informed the court that forensic examination of the site was still pending as investigators were initially unable to enter the building due to extreme heat following the blaze. The prosecution said the forensic team was scheduled to visit the premises on Thursday.
Responding to allegations that the arrest was illegal, Delhi Police submitted that the accused’s wife had been informed about the arrest through written communication and that the grounds and reasons for arrest were supplied to the accused in writing.
The defence, meanwhile, challenged the legality of the arrest, claiming that neither the accused nor his family had been provided the grounds of arrest and arguing that Supreme Court guidelines had not been followed. Counsel for the accused also submitted that his client was himself a victim as the property had been affected in the fire and sought his release.
After hearing both sides, the court rejected the challenge to the arrest, held it to be lawful and justified, and granted four days’ police custody of the accused.
