The blaze broke out on Wednesday at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast located in Malviya Nagar, where owner Lavkesh Bajaj was arrested within hours of the incident. Delhi Police have registered a case of culpable homicide as investigators examine whether gross negligence and regulatory violations contributed to the high death toll.
According to official and media reports, the establishment had approval to operate only six rooms under the Delhi government’s Bed and Breakfast policy. However, preliminary findings cited in the investigation indicate that the property was allegedly operating 25 rooms, including unauthorised accommodations in the basement, in clear violation of permitted limits.
The fire is believed to have originated in a kitchen located in the basement of the five-storey building at approximately 8:30 am on Wednesday. As flames rapidly spread through the congested structure, panic ensued, with trapped occupants on upper floors reportedly jumping onto mattresses placed below in desperate attempts to survive.
The incident resulted in the deaths of 21 people, including 12 foreign nationals and 9 Indian citizens. At least 47 individuals were rescued from the burning structure and are currently receiving medical treatment in nearby hospitals.
Authorities have confirmed that the manager of the establishment is also being sought in connection with the case as part of the ongoing investigation into operational lapses and safety violations.
The fire has been described as the deadliest in New Delhi since 2022, prompting an immediate and large-scale regulatory response from city authorities. The office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has announced a month-long inspection drive beginning Thursday, targeting hotels, guesthouses, nursing homes, coaching centres, and other high-risk commercial premises to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
Officials have stated that non-compliant properties will be sealed without exception. The Delhi Chief Minister’s Office further confirmed on social media platform X that a city-wide crackdown will be launched against illegal properties, unauthorized guesthouses, and establishments operating in violation of fire safety norms and building regulations, with strict sealing and prosecution measures to follow.
Meanwhile, India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that it is in continuous contact with the embassies of the foreign nationals who lost their lives in the incident. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that all necessary assistance is being extended to affected foreign missions and families.
Reports indicate that the hotel was frequently used by foreign medical tourists due to its proximity to a nearby hospital. The deceased foreign nationals were reported to be from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Liberia, according to Indian media accounts.
The tragedy has intensified scrutiny over urban safety enforcement in the capital, exposing alleged regulatory breaches and raising urgent questions about compliance in densely populated commercial accommodations.
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