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In Malviya Nagar hotel fire case, owner Lovkesh Bajaj admits structural changes, cites loophole in fire NOC rule.
More than 20 people died when fire engulfed a guest house in Malviya Nagar’s Hauz Rani area on Wednesday morning. (ANI)
In the Malviya Nagar hotel fire case, arrested hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj has, during police interrogation, disclosed details about the manner in which operations and structural changes were carried out despite alleged violations of safety norms.
Flouting Of Norms, Fire NOC Loophole
According to police sources, Bajaj stated that a Fire NOC (No Objection Certificate) is not mandatory for buildings below 15 meters in height, citing Rule 27 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010.
During questioning, he also claimed that the expansion of rooms and other structural modifications at the property were suggested by another individual, who allegedly assured him that such arrangements were a “normal practice.” Bajaj further told investigators that he was informed the arrangements followed standard procedure.
Sources said the hotel owner also stated that he was told, “In Delhi, anything can happen,” and “everything is manageable,” during discussions related to the operations.
Police are currently examining all aspects of the case, including alleged illegal construction, violations of operational capacity, and breaches of fire safety regulations.
Three Properties Of Luvkesh Bajaj
During interrogation, Luvkesh Bajaj revealed that he owns three properties, which are Lemon Green, Micasa, and Flourish Stay.
He also stated that while two of the hotels are solely owned by him, Micasa is operated in partnership.
Blaze Caused By Short Circuit
Meanwhile, in the ongoing investigation, Delhi Police sources said preliminary findings suggest the blaze may have been caused by a short circuit. Investigators noted the presence of kitchens in the basement and on the top floor, with LPG cylinders found in both areas, though no explosion occurred.
Officials said the intensity of the fire indicates it likely spread through internal electrical wiring.
Authorities also found electric stoves and other cooking appliances inside several rooms, where guests reportedly stayed for extended periods. Police sources further stated that most deaths in the incident were caused by asphyxiation.
Terrace Access Locked
The building’s terrace gate was found to be locked, and the access to the terrace was also blocked when the fire broke out.
A large-scale investigation is underway, with multiple Delhi Police teams involved in tracing absconding personnel, including manager Jai Mishra, while forensic teams continue their examination of the site.
A fire at a bed and breakfast establishment, Flourish Stay, in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning claimed 21 lives and left 25 others injured, including several foreign nationals.
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