New Delhi: Nearly five months before the fatal blaze at a Malviya Nagar bed-and-breakfast accommodation, the Delhi High Court had instructed authorities to urgently rectify inadequate fire-safety arrangements in hotels, restaurants and other hospitality establishments across the capital.
According to petitioner Arpit Bhargava, the January 7 order remains unimplemented — a lapse that has renewed importance after one of the city’s deadliest recent fires, as reported by The Economic times.
Bhargava said he repeatedly reminded the Delhi government’s chief secretary, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi commissioner and the chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council to carry out the court’s directions, but got no response.
Officials said the Malviya Nagar fire toll has risen to 2
1, including 11 foreign nationals and 10 Indians; 16 people were injured and 19 were in critical condition.
The blaze broke out on Tuesday at the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, leaving relatives pacing outside hospitals while doctors treated victims for severe burns and smoke inhalation.
MEA In Touch With Embassies
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday offered his condolences after a fire at a hotel in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, claimed the lives of at least 21 people, including foreign nationals.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said the Ministry of External Affairs is liaising with embassies and offering all necessary assistance. “Express my deepest condolences at the loss of lives, including of foreign nationals, in the tragic fire incident in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi. Pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.” He added, “MEA is in touch with Embassies and is extending all necessary assistance.”
Hotel Co-Owner Arrested
Investigators intensified their probe and visited the residence of Lovkesh Bajaj, co‑owner of Hotel Flourish Stay, after initial inquiries pointed to serious breaches of building and fire‑safety norms at the property.
Officials told PTI that Bajaj was arrested within hours of the blaze.
The Delhi Police also issued look‑out circulars (LoCs) against Bajaj and other suspects to prevent them from leaving the country.