New Delhi: Investigators examining the deadly Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21 people are now focusing on the property’s owner, Lokesh Bajaj, and management practices as authorities seek to determine the cause and accountability behind the tragedy.
According to official sources, Lokesh Bajaj has been identified as the owner of the hotel where the fire broke out.
Delhi Police have launched a manhunt to locate him, forming multiple teams that are conducting raids across the national capital.
A case has been registered under provisions related to culpable homicide and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Investigators are also examining the role of “three partners” reportedly involved in the operation of the hotel.
According to sources, the partners collectively manage several hotels and guest houses across Delhi.
“With this in view, the authorities have widened the scope of their inquiry into ownership structures, licensing compliance, and operational practices,” sources said.
Preliminary findings have spotlighted possibility of violations at the property.
Officials have reportedly found that the establishment was registered under the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) category. Moreover, it was reportedly authorised to operate only six rooms, say officials.
However, it is suspected nearly 25 rooms were being used to accommodate guests.
The hotel’s restaurant operations are also under scrutiny.
Authorities are examining whether the restaurant was functioning beyond the scope permitted under its licence and whether the property’s actual activities matched the permissions granted by regulatory agencies.
Another major angle of investigation relates to fire safety and emergency preparedness.
It is reported that the building had only one common entry and exit point.
Evacuation efforts might have been severely hampered due to this while flames spread through the structure, officials added.
Officials are also checking whether inadequate escape routes, overcrowding, and other safety issues contributed to the high death toll.
The tragedy has claimed the lives of 21 people, including 17 foreign nationals from countries such as Liberia, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Bangladesh.
Authorities said that 47 people were rescued from the building, with 26 currently undergoing treatment.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (South Delhi) Jitender Kumar confirmed that rescue operations concluded shortly after noon.
Meanwhile, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has received several injured persons, including police personnel who were among the first responders to enter the burning building.
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–IANS
