New Delhi: A Delhi court on Thursday remanded hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj to four days of police custody in connection with the devastating fire at a hotel in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area that claimed 21 lives and left several others injured.
Judicial Magistrate Bhanu Pratap Singh approved Delhi Police’s request for custodial interrogation, allowing investigators to question the accused regarding the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Police have registered a case against Bajaj under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, mischief by fire, damage to property, acts endangering human life, causing grievous hurt through negligence, and negligent conduct related to fire safety.
The blaze broke out on Wednesday morning at Flourish Stay B&B, triggering a major rescue operation. Authorities said several victims were foreign nationals who had been staying at the hotel while accompanying relatives receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Investigators are examining possible lapses in safety measures and compliance with fire regulations. Officials said the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.
The incident has sparked concerns over fire safety standards in commercial accommodations across the national capital. Police are expected to use the custodial interrogation period to gather further evidence and determine whether negligence or violations contributed to the disaster.
