Malviya Nagar Fire: Court sends hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj to four-day police custody

The Malviya Nagar fire probe has intensified after accused Lovkesh Bajaj was sent to four-day police custody. Investigators are now examining building safety violations, hotel operations and possible electrical faults.

New Delhi: The investigation into the deadly fire incident in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has gathered pace after a city court sent the main accused, Lovkesh Bajaj, to four days of police custody. Bajaj was produced before the Saket Court by Delhi Police, which sought his custodial interrogation to further investigate the case.

The fire tragedy, which shocked the national capital, is currently being examined from multiple angles, including building safety, hotel operations, and electrical infrastructure.

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Police Seek Custody for Documents and Technical Evidence

During the hearing, Delhi Police informed the court that Bajaj’s custody was necessary to uncover critical details linked to the functioning of the hotel and to recover important documents related to the property.

Investigators told the court that several technical aspects still need verification and that questioning the accused in custody would help establish the sequence of events leading to the fire.

The police are also trying to determine whether there were violations of safety regulations or unauthorized modifications in the building.

Accused Opposes Remand in Court

Lovkesh Bajaj opposed the police remand and argued before the court that he had been cooperating with the investigation. His counsel claimed there was no need for custodial interrogation.

The defence also raised concerns regarding the non-availability of the FIR copy, stating that it had not yet been provided despite legal requirements and Supreme Court guidelines.

In response, Delhi Police assured the court that a copy of the FIR would be made available shortly. After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted four days of police custody.

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MCD and BSES Asked to Submit Reports

As part of the wider investigation, Delhi Police has written to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) seeking a structural safety survey of the building involved in the incident. Authorities are examining whether the property complied with mandatory safety norms and construction standards.

Police have also approached power distribution company BSES for a detailed report on the building’s electrical connections and internal wiring systems. Investigators are looking into the possibility of an electrical fault contributing to the fire.

Investigation Continues on Multiple Fronts

Officials said the probe is currently focused on hotel operations, safety arrangements, structural compliance, and electrical systems. More revelations are expected as forensic findings and interrogation reports emerge in the coming days.