Last Updated:
The arrested owner of the Malviya Nagar hotel allegedly admitted the building lacked a fire NOC and claimed another person handled its operations and alterations.
A photo of the owner of the hotel after his arrest (L)/Malviya Nagar hotel that caught fire (R) (Photos: Social Media/PTI)
The owner of the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast establishment in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, arrested in connection with the fire that killed 21 people, has allegedly admitted during questioning that the building did not have a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), even as he sought to distance himself from the day-to-day management of the property.
According to sources cited by ANI, Lavkesh Bajaj told investigators during interrogation that the premises lacked the mandatory fire clearance.
The admission has emerged as a key development in the probe into the blaze that ripped through the establishment in South Delhi’s Hauz Rani area on Wednesday.
The revelation comes as investigators examine possible safety violations, unauthorised alterations and the role of individuals associated with the property.
The issue has become central to the investigation, with authorities seeking to determine whether the absence of mandatory fire clearances contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
According to PTI, the hotel was allegedly operating without the required fire NOC.
Investigators have also alleged that the establishment was functioning beyond its approved capacity.
Police sources cited by PTI said the property had permission for only six rooms under the Delhi government’s Bed and Breakfast policy, but was allegedly operating around 25 rooms, including some in the basement.
Additional floors were also allegedly constructed over the years without obtaining the necessary approvals from authorities, according to the report.
‘SOMEONE ELSE’ RAN THE HOTEL, CLAIMS BAJAJ
While admitting that the building lacked a fire NOC, Bajaj allegedly claimed that he was not directly responsible for the property’s daily operations.
According to ANI sources, he told investigators that he did not have the time to personally manage or oversee the premises and had delegated the day-to-day functioning of the establishment to another individual.
The person, Bajaj allegedly claimed, was handling billing, accounts and the overall management of the property.
Investigators are examining the assertion as part of efforts to establish responsibility for decisions related to the functioning and safety of the establishment.
STRUCTURAL CHANGES ALSO BLAMED ON ANOTHER PERSON
Sources told ANI that Bajaj also sought to distance himself from structural modifications carried out at the property.
During questioning, he allegedly claimed that alterations, including increasing room sizes and making other modifications to the building, were suggested by another person.
That individual, according to ANI sources, allegedly assured him that such arrangements were “routine” and that “everything works in Delhi.”
The claims are now being scrutinised by investigators, who are examining approvals, permissions and records related to construction and alterations at the premises.
POLICE VERIFYING DOCUMENTS, EXPANDING INVESTIGATION
ANI reported that the Delhi Police are verifying records from the electricity department and other agencies to examine compliance and approvals linked to the building.
Investigators are also checking records related to structural modifications and are examining ownership and control of multiple properties linked to the accused as part of a wider probe.
Police are further looking into the possible role of other persons associated with the establishment and whether operational decisions were being taken by individuals other than the owner.
Bajaj is likely to be produced before a court, with Delhi Police expected to seek his custody for further interrogation to verify the claims made during questioning and ascertain the role of other linked individuals, according to ANI sources.
FIRE CLAIMED 21 LIVES
The blaze tore through the Flourish Stay B&B in the congested Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar, resulting in one of Delhi’s deadliest fire tragedies in recent years.
According to PTI, at least 21 people died after the fire rapidly spread through the five-storey building. Police had earlier issued a Lookout Circular against Bajaj and his wife before his arrest.
Investigators have alleged that the structure had only one entry-exit point, permanently sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door, factors believed to have hampered evacuation efforts during the emergency.
Authorities have registered an FIR under charges of culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
A detailed forensic and criminal investigation is underway to establish accountability and determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy.
About the Author
Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
