Delhi: Investigators probing the deadly fire at a guest accommodation facility in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar have uncovered fresh details that may intensify scrutiny of those responsible for managing the property.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the owner of the establishment allegedly acknowledged during questioning that the building did not possess a mandatory fire safety clearance. The revelation has become a key focus of the inquiry into the blaze that claimed 21 lives and left several others injured.
Sources said the owner told police he was not directly involved in the daily functioning of the property and had entrusted operational responsibilities to another individual. The person reportedly managed bookings, accounts and other administrative activities linked to the establishment.
Investigators are now examining the extent of responsibility of all individuals associated with the property’s management. Authorities are seeking to determine who was overseeing safety compliance and whether operational decisions were being made without proper regulatory approvals.
As part of the ongoing probe, police have begun reviewing records from various government departments, including electricity and civic authorities. Officials are also assessing whether structural changes were carried out at the premises without the necessary permissions.
The investigation has expanded beyond the fire itself, with authorities reportedly examining other properties connected to the accused and reviewing documentation related to ownership and operational control.
Police officials are also gathering evidence to establish whether violations of building and safety regulations contributed to the scale of the tragedy. The findings could lead to additional charges or the involvement of more individuals in the case.
The fire, which broke out at the accommodation facility earlier this week, ranks among the deadliest such incidents in the capital in recent years. Rescue teams managed to evacuate dozens of occupants, but many victims were trapped as flames spread rapidly through the building.
Authorities are expected to seek further custodial interrogation of the accused as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances that led to the disaster.
