NEW DELHI – Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of Flourish Stay B&B in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, has been arrested by Delhi Police in connection with a fatal hotel fire that claimed at least 21 lives and injured dozens. The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, has prompted Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to seek a detailed report and order a comprehensive probe into the circumstances.
Owner Arrested, Culpable Homicide Charges Filed
Police initiated a Look-Out Circular against Bajaj and his wife shortly after the fire to prevent them from leaving the country. Bajaj was apprehended and is scheduled to be produced before Delhi’s Saket Court. An FIR has been registered under charges of culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, focusing on potential negligence and regulatory violations that may have contributed to the high death toll.
Regulatory Breaches Under Scrutiny
Investigators quickly identified several alarming discrepancies at the Flourish Stay B&B. The establishment reportedly had approval for only six rooms under the Delhi government’s Bed & Breakfast policy but was allegedly operating approximately 25 rooms, including accommodation in the basement. Furthermore, officials stated that the building, which exceeded 15 meters in height, was operating without the mandatory Fire Safety No Objection Certificate (NOC).
The probe will also examine whether additional floors were constructed without the necessary approvals and if authorities were properly informed. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have originated in the ground-floor restaurant after electrical equipment was switched on.
Tragic Details of the Blaze
The fire erupted around 8:30 AM on Wednesday at the hotel, located in Hauz Rani, and rapidly engulfed the five-storey building. Officials highlighted critical safety failures, including only one entry-exit point, small and permanently sealed windows, and a sensor-operated main door, which severely limited escape options. Smoke and intense heat quickly trapped occupants, who included both Indian and foreign nationals, many of whom were staying there while relatives received medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
Rescue workers, aided by local residents, managed to pull out at least 58 people. However, 21 individuals were declared dead upon arrival at hospitals. Among the deceased were nine Indians, including eight members of an extended family, and 12 foreign nationals.
CM Orders Magisterial Inquiry and City-Wide Crackdown
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta expressed serious concern over the tragedy, stating that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered and accountability will be fixed for any lapses. “Lapses that culminated in the tragic fire at a guest house in Malviya Nagar will be examined with utmost seriousness,” Gupta posted on X. She also announced a city-wide crackdown targeting illegal properties, unauthorized guest houses, and establishments operating in violation of fire safety norms and building by-laws. Such premises, she warned, would be sealed and prosecuted according to the law.