&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire: Owner Lavkesh Bajaj nabbed after 21 killed")
In a major development in the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy that claimed 21 lives, Delhi Police on Wednesday (June 3) arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of the hotel building where the devastating blaze broke out earlier in the day. Bajaj was taken into custody hours after the fire ripped through Flourish Stay B&B in the congested Hauz Rani area of South Delhi. He is expected to be produced before the Saket Court on Thursday (June 4).
The arrest came after police issued a lookout circular (LOC) against him. According to officials, the LOC was issued to prevent the accused from fleeing the country while multiple police teams carried out searches to trace those linked to the case. The fire broke out at around 8.30 am and rapidly engulfed the five-storey building, which officials said had only one entry and exit point, permanently sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door.
At least 58 people were rescued from the building and rushed to hospitals. However, 21 people were declared dead, including 10 Indians, nine African nationals and two citizens of Turkmenistan, officials said. The deceased also included 11 foreign nationals, while several injured victims remain in critical condition. Investigators have alleged that the hotel was operating without a mandatory fire no-objection certificate (NOC). The establishment was also allegedly functioning far beyond its permitted capacity.
According to police sources, the property had approval for only six rooms under the Delhi government's Bed and Breakfast policy but was allegedly operating around 25 rooms, including several in the basement. Sources further claimed that additional floors had been constructed over the years without informing authorities.
Trending Stories
)
Inside the Iran deal that Trump is READY to sign | WION Decodes
)
UFO files: ‘Alien base’ on the moon’s dark side? Secret NASA audio recording from Apollo 16 reveals...
)
Raakh ending explained: The final episode is far more devastating than it appears
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Watched Maternal Instinct? Stream these 5 similar crime investigation documentaries on Netflix
)
First flight lands at Noida International Airport in historic milestone | WATCH
)
Antonov An-32: Rugged backbone of the Indian Air Force’s transport fleet
)
As Raakh revisits the Ranga-Billa case, here's how it shaped Bobby Deol's childhood
)
Woman launched from 40-metre bridge without safety rope in Brazil, falls to death
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How US fighter jet pilots can change a missile's target after launch
)
The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain
)
Nine-year-old Australian girl fatally shot by Pakistani police officer
)
G7 Summit 2026 will tackle long-term reopening of Strait of Hormuz, Macron announces
)
Germany's Manuel Neuer to start against debutants Curaçao at FIFA World Cup: Nagelsmann
)
Pakistan asylum seeker sentenced to 10 years in jail for raping UK woman, had asked 'did you enjoy that'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT Releases this week (June 15-21, 2026): Drishyam 3 to Husbands In Action-7 latest movies and TV shows coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
'Let the oil flow': Crude prices down to $81.15 as US, Iran announce 'immediate end' to hostilities
)
India's $2 billion drone push: Why batteries could be biggest winner in defence-tech boom
)
Iran deal to happen 'in the next few hours' despite Israel's attack on Beirut, says Trump: Report
)
US-Iran War: West Asia Crisis Keep Moving Between War & Negotiation
)
Mathematician who correctly predicted last 3 World Cup winners reveals FIFA World Cup 2026 champion
)
'Will now work under PM Modi': Rebel TMC MPs to merge with Nationalist Citizens Party of Tripura
)
Why China isn’t in the G7 – and why it still looms over every discussion | WION Decodes
)
After ceasefire, Iran reveals roadmap to final US agreement and possible $24 billion payout
)
Macron, Modi meet in France: 13 major deals signed including defence, UPI | WION Decodes
)
West Bengal Politics: 20 Rebel MPs From Trinamool Congress Declare Support for BJP-Led NDA
)
‘No food in the fridge’: Why Elon Musk, world’s first trillionaire, lives in 400 sq ft home?
)
South Korean drama Teach You a Lesson to return with season 2? Director reveals
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
How US fighter jet missiles stay accurate even when signals are jammed
)
How RSI-India, inspired by MIT, is giving Indian school students a taste of cutting-edge research
)
My Royal Nemesis (ep 11-12) review: As finale nears, soul-swap mystery deepens with Cha Se Gye and Shin Seo Ri's fate hanging in the balance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
‘Battlefield simulation’: Why is the US Army increasing paratrooper drills in the Middle East
)
'Enemy had no choice but surrender': Iran claims victory as US agrees to 'permanently' end war
)
Bungee Jumping Horror: Terrifying Safety Lapse Caught On Camera In Brazil
)
Pilots’ body flags gaps in Air India crash report, calls for fresh probe to verify timeline, RAT deployment
Police have registered an FIR under charges of culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Meanwhile, the Delhi government has announced plans to withdraw its Bed and Breakfast policy in the aftermath of the tragedy. "We are going to officially withdraw the Bed and Breakfast scheme, and all establishments licensed under it will be checked," Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra told PTI.
