Lavkesh Bajaj

Hotel Owner

Indian Saket, New Delhi, India

The death toll from the Malviya Nagar hotel fire climbed to 22 after a Nigerian national injured in the incident succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The deceased included nationals from Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Iraq, Congo, Mozambique, Liberia, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Somalia. Delhi Minister Rekha Gupta announced a magisterial inquiry and a citywide crackdown on illegal properties violating fire safety norms.

A probe into Bajaj's properties exposed his second guest house, Lemon Green Inn in Hauz Rani, as a 'death trap' with similar safety violations. Police launched a search for Jai Mishra, the manager of Flourish Stay, who remains missing. The investigation continues into alleged safety violations, unauthorized rooms, sealed exits, and the absence of mandatory fire clearances at both properties.

Delhi Police arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and sent him to four days' police custody after a court hearing. Bajaj was booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, mischief by fire, and negligent conduct endangering human life. Investigators revealed Bajaj drove past the burning building 'out of fear' instead of assisting in rescue efforts.

A devastating fire at Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, killed 21 people early Wednesday morning. The blaze, caused by a short circuit, tore through the building which lacked a fire NOC and operated 26 rooms instead of the permitted six. At least 58 people were rescued, but 21 were declared dead, including 10 Indians and 11 foreign nationals.