Delhi fire tragedy : Hotel operated beyond permitted capacity, lacked fire clearance, say officials

The investigation into the Malviya Nagar hotel fire incident that claimed 21 lives has revealed alleged capacity violations, absence of fire safety clearance and unauthorised structural changes.

“The property, Hotel Flourish Stays, was allegedly operating far beyond its approved capacity and without mandatory fire safety clearance” the officials investigating the incident said.

“The hotel was functioning at nearly four times its permitted capacity. Investigators have also found that the establishment did not possess a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), while additional floors were allegedly constructed without notifying the concerned authorities” the officials added.

Police have arrested hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj in connection with the fire. During questioning, Bajaj allegedly told investigators that he was not directly involved in managing the day-to-day affairs of the hotel. The owner also claimed that the routine operations, including billing, accounts and overall administration, had been entrusted to another individual.

Bajaj also allegedly informed investigators that buildings below 15 metres in height do not require a Fire NOC under Rule 27 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010. Police sources, however, said he admitted that the hotel did not have a fire clearance certificate.

Following the incident, 49 people were admitted to hospitals, of them, 21 died while undergoing treatment, eight have since been discharged and Several others remain under medical supervision.

The investigation into the deadly fire that killed 21 people and alleged safety violations remains underway. However, the hotel owner is expected to be produced before a court on Thursday.

Initial findings by Delhi Fire Services indicate that the blaze may have originated near the staircase on the ground floor. While firefighters recovered LPG cylinders from the building during rescue operations.