South Delhi hotel fire: Death toll rises to 21, owner held over safety violations

New Delhi (TIP): The owner of the South Delhi hotel where a massive fire killed 21 people earlier this week has been arrested as investigators intensified their probe into alleged fire safety violations, illegal construction and negligence linked to the tragedy.
The devastating blaze broke out on June 3 at the five-storey Flourish Stay B&B building in the Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar, triggering panic among guests and staff trapped inside the smoke-filled structure. The building housed a restaurant on the ground floor and hotel rooms on the upper floors.
Delhi Police confirmed that hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj has been arrested and booked under charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Investigators are examining whether the establishment violated mandatory fire safety norms and building regulations.
Officials said the Delhi Fire Services received a distress call around 8:48 am on Tuesday, following which several fire tenders were rushed to the spot. Firefighters battled intense flames and thick smoke for hours before bringing the situation under control.
At least 21 people were killed in the incident, including several foreign nationals who had reportedly come to Delhi for medical treatment and were staying near hospitals in South Delhi. More than 40 others were rescued from the building, many suffering from burn injuries and smoke inhalation.
Police officials said foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Liberia, Mozambique, Somalia and Afghanistan were among the victims. Several bodies were charred beyond recognition, complicating identification efforts.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as guests tried to escape through windows and terraces while smoke rapidly spread through the narrow corridors. Local residents reportedly placed mattresses outside the building to help those jumping from upper floors to escape the flames.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have originated in the restaurant area on the lower floor, although forensic teams are still examining the exact cause. Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze, which spread rapidly due to poor ventilation and the presence of combustible material inside the building.