Hotel Owner and Two Others Charged After Malviya Nagar Fire Tragedy

A charge sheet has been filed by Delhi police against three individuals, including the proprietor of the Flourish Stay hotel, Lovkesh Bajaj, in the aftermath of the deadly fire that tore through the Malviya Nagar property. The court in Saket received the document, and a hearing is scheduled for Thursday.

The fire, which broke out in the crowded Hauz Khas neighbourhood, claimed 21 lives – nine Indian citizens and twelve foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Liberia, Nigeria and Mozambique – and left numerous others injured. Early investigations attribute the ignition to a short‑circuit, yet the blaze spiralled out of control because of the hotel's blatant disregard for fire‑safety standards.

Authorities discovered that the establishment, operating under a "bed‑and‑breakfast" licence for only six rooms, was actually accommodating close to 25 rooms, with additional makeshift accommodations in the basement. This illegal expansion is considered a major factor in the high death toll.

The accused have been charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code covering culpable homicide not amounting to murder and violations of safety regulations. A rapid search operation after the incident led to Bajaj's arrest; a look‑out circular had already been issued for both him and his wife. Police also revisited his earlier criminal record, which includes a case involving the alleged use of forged Indian identity documents for Bangladeshi nationals, resulting in a short stint in Tihar jail before bail.

The Delhi government has already ordered a magistrate inquiry and promised a city‑wide crackdown on illegal guest houses and properties that flout fire‑code and building‑by‑law requirements. According to the Delhi Fire Service, the fire consumed the basement, ground floor and upper levels, generating thick smoke and extensive damage that complicated rescue efforts.