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New Delhi: The owner of a south Delhi hotel where a devastating fire claimed 21 lives allegedly drove past the burning building without stopping to help, telling investigators later that he left the scene because he was frightened.
According to police sources and media reports, hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj admitted during questioning that he saw the fire at the Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar after the blaze had already erupted early Wednesday morning. However, instead of assisting rescue efforts or alerting authorities further, he allegedly drove away from the spot.
Delhi Hotel Fire: Approved for 6 rooms, but operating 25? Probe uncovers troubling claims
The shocking revelation has intensified public outrage over the incident, which is being counted among the deadliest hotel fire tragedies in the national capital in recent years.
Delhi Police have booked Bajaj under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, negligence endangering human life, grievous hurt by negligence and mischief by fire.
Police officials confirmed that the hotel manager remains absconding, while multiple teams from the local police, crime branch and forensic department continue to investigate the cause of the fire and possible safety violations.
The charred premises remained sealed on Thursday as forensic experts examined the site and officers questioned residents, employees, nearby shopkeepers and witnesses to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Investigators suspect that serious violations of fire safety norms and building regulations may have contributed to the high death toll.
According to officials, the establishment allegedly had permission to operate only six rooms but was reportedly running nearly 25 rooms, including accommodations in the basement. Authorities are also verifying claims that additional floors had been constructed without mandatory approvals.
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Officials are further probing whether the building lacked a valid fire no-objection certificate (NOC).
Investigators are examining whether certain structural features trapped occupants inside as the fire spread rapidly through the building. Among the concerns being investigated are allegations of sealed windows, a single entry-exit point and a sensor-operated main door that may have delayed evacuation during the emergency.
The fire broke out early Wednesday morning at the Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar, killing 21 people and injuring several others. Many victims were reportedly from outside Delhi, including foreign nationals accompanying relatives undergoing medical treatment in nearby hospitals.
