NEW DELHI – The owner of the Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast, Lavkesh Bajaj, has admitted to police that he never obtained a Fire Safety No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for the building where a devastating fire claimed 21 lives last Wednesday. Bajaj reportedly fled the scene as the blaze erupted, spending hours wandering the streets before authorities located him.
Owner's Admission and Flight
During police interrogation, Bajaj confessed to operating the establishment without the mandatory Fire Safety NOC. Investigators view this disclosure as significant, particularly since officials had previously indicated the building would likely not have met existing safety standards. Bajaj was near the B&B when the fire started but fled upon witnessing the unfolding tragedy.
Unlicensed Operations and Safety Breaches
Bajaj told investigators he acquired the building in 2022, which previously housed a Khadi shop and was in a dilapidated state. He initially rented out rooms before converting it into a hotel-cum-guest house. While he claimed to have obtained permission for a Bed and Breakfast, tourist accommodation, and a health restaurant, police are now verifying these claims. Crucially, the establishment was licensed for only six rooms under Delhi's B&B scheme but was allegedly operating 25, with some in the basement.
Authorities are also investigating whether additional floors were constructed without approval. Reports indicate the building had a single entry and exit point, and sealed windows combined with a sensor-operated main door are believed to have severely hindered evacuation efforts as the fire rapidly spread.
Investigation into the Blaze and Casualties
Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have originated in a ground-floor restaurant after electrical equipment was switched on, though the exact cause remains under investigation. More than 40 occupants were rescued from the smoke-filled building. Among the 21 fatalities were both Indian and foreign nationals; efforts to identify all victims are ongoing. Police have registered a case of culpable homicide and are probing alleged violations of fire safety norms, building regulations, and licensing requirements.
Next Steps and Government Action
Lavkesh Bajaj is expected to be presented before a court today, with Delhi Police likely seeking several days of custody to further investigate the tragedy, locate missing records, and examine the operations of three hotels he reportedly owns. In response to the incident, the Delhi government has formed a joint committee comprising officials from the district administration, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Police, and the Power Department. This committee is tasked with inspecting similar establishments across the capital to prevent future tragedies.