Days after a devastating fire tore through a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) establishment in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, killing at least 21 people, the investigation has gathered pace, with police making fresh arrests
and revealing preliminary findings about the cause of the blaze.
In the latest development, the Delhi Police have arrested Keshav Negi, the chef of the Flourish Stay B&B where the fire broke out. Police are set to produce him before the Saket Court on Saturday.
Cook’s Negligence Blamed For Blaze
Investigators have concluded that the cook’s negligence caused the blaze. “The investigation revealed that the fire was caused due to the cook’s negligence. The police have also taken some other individuals into custody. Questioning is ongoing. One person has been arrested, and another is in custody,” sources said.
The fire erupted in the early hours of Wednesday at the hotel in South Delhi’s Hauz Rani area, killing at least 21 people, including 13 foreign nationals, and injuring several others.
Injured Patients Show Improvement
Meanwhile, doctors at Max Hospital’s Saket complex reported progress in the condition of the injured. A total of 15 patients remain admitted at the hospital, including 13 international patients. Earlier in the day, five patients were successfully taken off ventilator support and were said to be in a stable condition. Meanwhile, one patient remains on a ventilator, while the condition of all admitted patients remains stable.
Investigators are also probing alleged safety violations at the property. Earlier, the owner of the establishment, Lavkesh Bajaj, who was arrested in connection with the case, allegedly admitted during questioning that the building did not have a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).
According to investigators, the hotel may have been operating beyond its approved capacity. Police sources said the property had permission for only six rooms under the Delhi government’s Bed and Breakfast policy but was allegedly running around 25 rooms, including some in the basement. Authorities have also alleged that additional floors were constructed over the years without obtaining the required approvals.
The probe is now focused on determining whether the absence of mandatory fire clearances, unauthorised construction and other safety violations contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
