As the investigation continues into the deadly fire at Flourish Stays B&amp;B in Delhi's Malviya Nagar that claimed the lives of 22 people, including several foreign nationals, conflicting accounts of what started the blaze on June 3 have emerged. While some accounts point to an unattended oil fryer, others suggest a cooking gas leak triggered the fire.According to a PTI report, citing investigators, a series of lapses may have led to the tragedy. Police believe that the blaze may have started in the hotel kitchen after cook Keshav Negi allegedly switched on an oil fryer and forgot about it while preparing tea. Police believe the overheated oil reached its auto-ignition temperature and burst into flames, which quickly spread to the ceiling and nearby combustible materials. Stored cartons and other flammable items are believed to have intensified the fire.Investigators allege that Negi initially tried to control the blaze but fled when it became unmanageable. They are also examining why guests were not immediately alerted and why emergency services were not contacted sooner. A nearly 30-minute delay before the first distress call has become a key focus of the probe.However, a different version emerged during court proceedings. According to ANI, Delhi Police told a Saket court while seeking Negi’s custodial remand that the fire was caused by a cooking gas leak. Authorities have not yet released a final forensic report confirming the exact cause.The response of hotel staff is also under scrutiny. Police said three staff members were present when the fire broke out, including the cook, a helper sleeping on the top floor and manager Rupesh alias Rakesh. While one helper escaped by jumping from the terrace, the manager allegedly fled and remains absconding.The death toll rose to 22 after a Nigerian national, identified as Okale, succumbed to severe burn injuries at Safdarjung Hospital. Investigators are also examining possible building code violations, including allegations that the structure lacked required approvals and contained large amounts of wood and plastic material that may have accelerated the spread of flames.So far, the hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj, cook Keshav Negi, and accountant Jay Mishra have been arrested as the investigation continues.

 The probe into Delhi's deadly Flourish Stays hotel fire that killed 22 is examining two possible causes – an unattended oil fryer and a cooking gas leak – while staff response and safety lapses remain under scrutiny.

As the investigation continues into the deadly fire at Flourish Stays B&B in Delhi's Malviya Nagar that claimed the lives of 22 people, including several foreign nationals, conflicting accounts of what started the blaze on June 3 have emerged. While some accounts point to an unattended oil fryer, others suggest a cooking gas leak triggered the fire. According to a PTI report, citing investigators, a series of lapses may have led to the tragedy. Police believe that the blaze may have started in the hotel kitchen after cook Keshav Negi allegedly switched on an oil fryer and forgot about it while preparing tea. Police believe the overheated oil reached its auto-ignition temperature and burst into flames, which quickly spread to the ceiling and nearby combustible materials. Stored cartons and other flammable items are believed to have intensified the fire. Investigators allege that Negi initially tried to control the blaze but fled when it became unmanageable. They are also examining why guests were not immediately alerted and why emergency services were not contacted sooner. A nearly 30-minute delay before the first distress call has become a key focus of the probe. However, a different version emerged during court proceedings. According to ANI, Delhi Police told a Saket court while seeking Negi’s custodial remand that the fire was caused by a cooking gas leak. Authorities have not yet released a final forensic report confirming the exact cause. The response of hotel staff is also under scrutiny. Police said three staff members were present when the fire broke out, including the cook, a helper sleeping on the top floor and manager Rupesh alias Rakesh. While one helper escaped by jumping from the terrace, the manager allegedly fled and remains absconding. The death toll rose to 22 after a Nigerian national, identified as Okale, succumbed to severe burn injuries at Safdarjung Hospital. Investigators are also examining possible building code violations, including allegations that the structure lacked required approvals and contained large amounts of wood and plastic material that may have accelerated the spread of flames. So far, the hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj, cook Keshav Negi, and accountant Jay Mishra have been arrested as the investigation continues.

&nbsp;The probe into Delhi's deadly Flourish Stays hotel fire that killed 22 is examining two possible causes – an unattended oil fryer and a cooking gas leak – while staff response and safety lapses remain under scrutiny.

What caused the deadly Delhi hotel fire? Probe points to two possible triggers – What we know

Delhi police arrested the cook of the bed-and-breakfast establishment that was charred in the deadly fire that claimed the lives of at least 21 people, including several foreign nationals, officials said on Saturday (Jun 6). This comes as the investigation continued into the devastating incident at Flourish Stays Hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar.According to the police, the probe has revealed that the cook’s negligence led to the blaze that engulfed the entire building on Wednesday (Jun 3). Police have also detained several other individuals as part of the ongoing investigations.Authorities have discovered several safety violations and lapses in the building’s fire safety infrastructure. ANI reported, citing sources, that officials found that the windows and glass panels of the building had been completely sealed, preventing any outlet for the smoke and worsening the conditions. Officials also noted that the building’s basement was locked from the inside, and it took nearly 10 minutes for emergency responders to access it. Six to seven people were rescued from there.According to earlier reports, investigators have ruled out an LPG cylinder blast as the cause of the massive fire that engulfed the building. The hotel had two kitchens, one in the basement and another on the top floor. Both kitchens had multiple LPG cylinders stored. However, the initial report found no indication that any cylinder explosion occurred in the building.A total of 15 patients are currently undergoing treatment at Max Hospital in Saket, the hospital said in a statement. “All ventilated patients are stable and showing signs of improvement,” it said, adding that nine other patients are receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital wards.Earlier, the police arrested hotel owner Lovekesh Bajaj, Sweety Sarkar and Pushpo Sarkar in connection with the case. A chargesheet has been filed before the court against the accused. Bajaj has been remanded to four days of police custody.

Delhi Police arrested a hotel cook after investigators linked his negligence to the Malviya Nagar fire that killed 21 people. The probe also uncovered major fire safety violations at the hotel.

Delhi police arrested the cook of the bed-and-breakfast establishment that was charred in the deadly fire that claimed the lives of at least 21 people, including several foreign nationals, officials said on Saturday (Jun 6). This comes as the investigation continued into the devastating incident at Flourish Stays Hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar. According to the police, the probe has revealed that the cook’s negligence led to the blaze that engulfed the entire building on Wednesday (Jun 3). Police have also detained several other individuals as part of the ongoing investigations. Authorities have discovered several safety violations and lapses in the building’s fire safety infrastructure. ANI reported, citing sources, that officials found that the windows and glass panels of the building had been completely sealed, preventing any outlet for the smoke and worsening the conditions. Officials also noted that the building’s basement was locked from the inside, and it took nearly 10 minutes for emergency responders to access it. Six to seven people were rescued from there. According to earlier reports, investigators have ruled out an LPG cylinder blast as the cause of the massive fire that engulfed the building. The hotel had two kitchens, one in the basement and another on the top floor. Both kitchens had multiple LPG cylinders stored. However, the initial report found no indication that any cylinder explosion occurred in the building. A total of 15 patients are currently undergoing treatment at Max Hospital in Saket, the hospital said in a statement. “All ventilated patients are stable and showing signs of improvement,” it said, adding that nine other patients are receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital wards. Earlier, the police arrested hotel owner Lovekesh Bajaj, Sweety Sarkar and Pushpo Sarkar in connection with the case. A chargesheet has been filed before the court against the accused. Bajaj has been remanded to four days of police custody.

Delhi Police arrested a hotel cook after investigators linked his negligence to the Malviya Nagar fire that killed 21 people. The probe also uncovered major fire safety violations at the hotel.

Delhi hotel fire: Police arrest B&B’s cook over negligence in Malviya Nagar tragedy

The owner of the Delhi hotel that was burned down in a deadly fire days earlier was reportedly submitting an application on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) portal for the renewal of a ‘Tea and Snacks stall (without seats)’ license while the rescue operations were underway at the six-story property in Malviya Nagar. This comes as the investigation continues into the blaze that broke out at the building on June 3, killing 21, including several foreign nationals.According to The Hindu, citing a senior civic body official, Jay Mishra, the owner of Flourish Stay B&amp;B, where the fire broke out, was filling out the renewal application on the MCD portal. The fire that devastated the building started around 8:30, and the MCD received Mishra’s request between 9:30 and 10 pm.Mishra was running a restaurant-style setup with seating arrangements, despite the establishment only having a Tea and Snacks (T&amp;S) license, which is meant for stalls without seating. This license is issued instantly and must be renewed annually. However, authorities found that it was operating a full-fledged restaurant with a kitchen and extensive seating on the ground floor without the required licence. According to the Delhi Fire Service, the blaze originated in this ground-floor section.According to the report, the license had expired nearly two months before, and last renewed on April 18, 2025.The scrutiny was initiated following directions issued in January 2026 to verify documents and conduct physical inspections of all MCD Health Trade Licences issued following the Goa fire incident. However, the process was delayed due to staff changes and the retirement of the concerned Public Health Inspector (PHI), causing the case to remain pending until June.Following a May 19 directive to expedite pending inspections, the cases were fast-tracked. Officials said the establishment, Flourish Stay, had obtained a Tea and Snacks (T&amp;S) licence in 2023 and renewed it annually. Its licence was among nearly 700 instant licences selected for review in the South Zone. Despite document verification and a field inspection, no violations were recorded, even though the property was allegedly operating a restaurant with seating under a T&amp;S licence.Officials also flagged multiple violations under Delhi’s Bed and Breakfast Policy, including operating around 25 rooms despite approval for only six, lacking a fire NOC and sanctioned building plan, and being located in a Lal Dora area outside MCD building by-laws, the report added. &nbsp;

The owner of Delhi’s Flourish Stay B&B reportedly applied to renew an expired Tea & Snacks licence while a deadly fire killed 21 people. Investigators found multiple licensing, safety and policy violations at the property.

The owner of the Delhi hotel that was burned down in a deadly fire days earlier was reportedly submitting an application on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) portal for the renewal of a ‘Tea and Snacks stall (without seats)’ license while the rescue operations were underway at the six-story property in Malviya Nagar. This comes as the investigation continues into the blaze that broke out at the building on June 3, killing 21, including several foreign nationals. According to The Hindu, citing a senior civic body official, Jay Mishra, the owner of Flourish Stay B&B, where the fire broke out, was filling out the renewal application on the MCD portal. The fire that devastated the building started around 8:30, and the MCD received Mishra’s request between 9:30 and 10 pm. Mishra was running a restaurant-style setup with seating arrangements, despite the establishment only having a Tea and Snacks (T&S) license, which is meant for stalls without seating. This license is issued instantly and must be renewed annually. However, authorities found that it was operating a full-fledged restaurant with a kitchen and extensive seating on the ground floor without the required licence. According to the Delhi Fire Service, the blaze originated in this ground-floor section. According to the report, the license had expired nearly two months before, and last renewed on April 18, 2025. The scrutiny was initiated following directions issued in January 2026 to verify documents and conduct physical inspections of all MCD Health Trade Licences issued following the Goa fire incident. However, the process was delayed due to staff changes and the retirement of the concerned Public Health Inspector (PHI), causing the case to remain pending until June. Following a May 19 directive to expedite pending inspections, the cases were fast-tracked. Officials said the establishment, Flourish Stay, had obtained a Tea and Snacks (T&S) licence in 2023 and renewed it annually. Its licence was among nearly 700 instant licences selected for review in the South Zone. Despite document verification and a field inspection, no violations were recorded, even though the property was allegedly operating a restaurant with seating under a T&S licence. Officials also flagged multiple violations under Delhi’s Bed and Breakfast Policy, including operating around 25 rooms despite approval for only six, lacking a fire NOC and sanctioned building plan, and being located in a Lal Dora area outside MCD building by-laws, the report added.

The owner of Delhi’s Flourish Stay B&amp;B reportedly applied to renew an expired Tea &amp; Snacks licence while a deadly fire killed 21 people. Investigators found multiple licensing, safety and policy violations at the property.

Delhi hotel fire: Owner sought to renew ‘tea and snacks stall’ license during rescue operations

Preliminary investigation into the deadly fire at Delhi’s Malviya Nagar hotel has revealed that the blaze was likely caused by a short circuit, according to Delhi Police sources. This comes after a devastating fire at a guest house left at least 21 people dead, including several foreign nationals, raising serious questions about fire safety compliance, emergency preparedness and the functioning of hospitality establishments operating in densely populated residential areas.According to the police source, investigators have ruled out an LPG cylinder blast as the cause of the massive fire that engulfed the building. The hotel had two kitchens, one in the basement and another on the top floor. Both kitchens had multiple LPG cylinders stored. However, the initial report found no indication that any cylinder explosion occurred in the building.Officials suspect that the fire may have been started by an electrical fault within the building's internal wiring system. According to the investigators, the pattern and intensity of the blaze suggest that a short circuit, which can cause the fire to spread rapidly through concealed electrical networks across different sections of the building.A forensic team has already inspected the site and collected samples for analysis. Experts are assessing the electrical systems and other possible ignition sources to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy.The forensic findings are expected to play a key role in establishing the exact cause of the fire and examining whether any lapses in fire safety norms or building regulations contributed to the incident. Authorities are also reviewing the hotel’s safety measures and compliance records.The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Officials have said that further action will be taken once the final findings are revealed.Of the 21 people killed in the fire, six were foreign nationals and nine were Indian citizens. The identities of six other victims are yet to be confirmed. Authorities are continuing the identification process and coordinating with families of those who lost their lives in the blaze. affected by the tragedy.

A preliminary probe suggests a short circuit caused the deadly fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel in Delhi. The blaze killed 21 people, including foreign nationals, and has raised concerns over fire safety compliance.

Preliminary investigation into the deadly fire at Delhi’s Malviya Nagar hotel has revealed that the blaze was likely caused by a short circuit, according to Delhi Police sources. This comes after a devastating fire at a guest house left at least 21 people dead, including several foreign nationals, raising serious questions about fire safety compliance, emergency preparedness and the functioning of hospitality establishments operating in densely populated residential areas. According to the police source, investigators have ruled out an LPG cylinder blast as the cause of the massive fire that engulfed the building. The hotel had two kitchens, one in the basement and another on the top floor. Both kitchens had multiple LPG cylinders stored. However, the initial report found no indication that any cylinder explosion occurred in the building. Officials suspect that the fire may have been started by an electrical fault within the building's internal wiring system. According to the investigators, the pattern and intensity of the blaze suggest that a short circuit, which can cause the fire to spread rapidly through concealed electrical networks across different sections of the building. A forensic team has already inspected the site and collected samples for analysis. Experts are assessing the electrical systems and other possible ignition sources to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the tragedy. The forensic findings are expected to play a key role in establishing the exact cause of the fire and examining whether any lapses in fire safety norms or building regulations contributed to the incident. Authorities are also reviewing the hotel’s safety measures and compliance records. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Officials have said that further action will be taken once the final findings are revealed. Of the 21 people killed in the fire, six were foreign nationals and nine were Indian citizens. The identities of six other victims are yet to be confirmed. Authorities are continuing the identification process and coordinating with families of those who lost their lives in the blaze. affected by the tragedy.

A preliminary probe suggests a short circuit caused the deadly fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel in Delhi. The blaze killed 21 people, including foreign nationals, and has raised concerns over fire safety compliance.

Preliminary investigation reveals cause of Delhi hotel fire

Delhi Police have arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj after the deadly fire in Malviya Nagar. The massive blaze killed at least 21 people, including several foreign nationals. Officials said the fire broke out in a building housing a hotel and restaurant. Investigators are probing alleged fire safety violations and illegal construction inside the property.


Delhi Malviya Nagar Fire: 21 Dead In Delhi Hotel Fire Including 12 Foreign Nationals

As firefighters battled thick smoke and flames inside a burning guest house in South Delhi on Wednesday (Jun 4), they came across a heartbreaking scene that has since become one of the defining images of the tragedy. Inside a locked washroom on the first floor, they found a couple who appeared to have spent their final moments together locked in an embrace, awaiting a rescue that never happened. On Wednesday, a devastating fire at a guest house in Delhi's Malviya Nagar left at least 21 people dead, including several foreign nationals, raising serious questions about fire safety compliance, emergency preparedness and the functioning of hospitality establishments operating in densely populated residential areas.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/is-the-country-s-gold-being-sold-rbi-issues-fact-check-as-kejriwal-questions-centre-over-reserves-wion-decodes-1780478470494">'Is the country's gold being sold?' RBI issues fact-check as Kejriwal questions centre over reserves | WION Decodes</a><h2>Malviya Nagar fire: Couple's heartbreaking embrace of death</h2>Reports suggest that the couple was found locked in an embrace in a washroom on the 1st floor of Flourish Stay hotel in South Delhi's Hauz Rani-Malviya Nagar area. The woman was seated on a toilet. Beside her sat a man on a chair, seemingly holding her in an embrace as they waited for help that never arrived."We suspect they locked themselves inside hoping they would be safe there," a fire official involved in the rescue operation said, as cited by Hindustan Times. "The woman was seated on the toilet seat, and the man was sitting beside her on a chair. It appeared that she was a patient and he was her caregiver."Their identities have not yet become public. But their final moments have emerged as one of the most heartbreaking stories from the fire that tore through a guest house in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, killing 21 people.According to firefighters, most guests staying at the property were not tourists. Many had travelled to Delhi for medical treatment at a nearby private hospital. Some were patients themselves. Others were relatives who had come to care for loved ones during difficult battles with illness. The couple found in the washroom may have been one such pair.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/firing-outside-khan-sir-s-coaching-centre-leaves-guard-injured-educator-alleges-rival-institute-role-watch-video-1780463853075">Alleged shooting outside Khan Sir's coaching centre leaves guard injured; educator alleges rival institute role | WATCH</a><h2>What happened at Flourish Stay hotel?</h2>On Wednesday, as smoke rapidly spread through the building, many occupants were trapped before they could escape. Fire officials said the lower floors became engulfed with smoke, leaving people disoriented and struggling to breathe. Several victims were found unconscious inside their rooms.Desperate rescue efforts, which lasted for more than three hours, saw firefighters cut through blocked access points, search room after room and carry survivors to safety. Eight people trapped in the basement were rescued alive. Others were not as fortunate. Twenty-one people died in the blaze.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Visuals from inside the Hotel Flourish Stays, in the Malviya Nagar area, where a massive fire broke out, claiming the lives of 21 people. <a href="https://t.co/O00Rq6LkGC">pic.twitter.com/O00Rq6LkGC</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2062338678136221906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who is responsible for the Malviya Nagar hotel fire?</h2>Delhi Police have arrested hotel co-owner Lovkesh Bajaj after a Lookout Circular was issued against him and his wife.An FIR has been registered, and both the Delhi government and police have launched investigations into possible violations of fire safety norms and building regulations.

As firefighters searched Malviya Nagar's hotel after a deadly blaze, they made a heartbreaking discovery: a man and woman locked in an embrace inside a washroom, seemingly waiting for help that never arrived. Their final moments have become the most haunting image of a tragedy that killed 21.

As firefighters battled thick smoke and flames inside a burning guest house in South Delhi on Wednesday (Jun 4), they came across a heartbreaking scene that has since become one of the defining images of the tragedy. Inside a locked washroom on the first floor, they found a couple who appeared to have spent their final moments together locked in an embrace, awaiting a rescue that never happened. On Wednesday, a devastating fire at a guest house in Delhi's Malviya Nagar left at least 21 people dead, including several foreign nationals, raising serious questions about fire safety compliance, emergency preparedness and the functioning of hospitality establishments operating in densely populated residential areas. Also read | 'Is the country's gold being sold?' RBI issues fact-check as Kejriwal questions centre over reserves | WION Decodes Malviya Nagar fire: Couple's heartbreaking embrace of death Reports suggest that the couple was found locked in an embrace in a washroom on the 1st floor of Flourish Stay hotel in South Delhi's Hauz Rani-Malviya Nagar area. The woman was seated on a toilet. Beside her sat a man on a chair, seemingly holding her in an embrace as they waited for help that never arrived. "We suspect they locked themselves inside hoping they would be safe there," a fire official involved in the rescue operation said, as cited by Hindustan Times. "The woman was seated on the toilet seat, and the man was sitting beside her on a chair. It appeared that she was a patient and he was her caregiver." Their identities have not yet become public. But their final moments have emerged as one of the most heartbreaking stories from the fire that tore through a guest house in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, killing 21 people. According to firefighters, most guests staying at the property were not tourists. Many had travelled to Delhi for medical treatment at a nearby private hospital. Some were patients themselves. Others were relatives who had come to care for loved ones during difficult battles with illness. The couple found in the washroom may have been one such pair. Also read | Alleged shooting outside Khan Sir's coaching centre leaves guard injured; educator alleges rival institute role | WATCH What happened at Flourish Stay hotel? On Wednesday, as smoke rapidly spread through the building, many occupants were trapped before they could escape. Fire officials said the lower floors became engulfed with smoke, leaving people disoriented and struggling to breathe. Several victims were found unconscious inside their rooms. Desperate rescue efforts, which lasted for more than three hours, saw firefighters cut through blocked access points, search room after room and carry survivors to safety. Eight people trapped in the basement were rescued alive. Others were not as fortunate. Twenty-one people died in the blaze.

As firefighters searched Malviya Nagar's hotel after a deadly blaze, they made a heartbreaking discovery: a man and woman locked in an embrace inside a washroom, seemingly waiting for help that never arrived. Their final moments have become the most haunting image of a tragedy that killed 21.

Malviya Nagar hotel fire: Dead couple found locked in final embrace, waiting for rescue that never came

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&amp;B in the congested Hauz Rani area of South Delhi. He is expected to be produced before the Saket Court on Thursday (June 4).&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/11-foreign-nationals-among-21-killed-in-delhi-hotel-fire-mos-kirti-vardhan-singh-visits-injured-in-hospital-1780504926954">11 foreign nationals among 21 killed in Delhi hotel fire; MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh visits injured in hospital</a>&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-approves-1-billion-relief-package-for-airlines-as-fuel-price-surge-amid-iran-war-1780494330389">India approves $1 billion relief package for airlines as fuel price surge</a>&nbsp;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.

Delhi Police arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj following a devastating fire at an illegal Hauz Rani B&B that killed 21 people, prompting the government to scrap its Bed and Breakfast policy.

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. Also read: 11 foreign nationals among 21 killed in Delhi hotel fire; MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh visits injured in hospital 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. Also read: India approves $1 billion relief package for airlines as fuel price surge 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.

Delhi Police arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj following a devastating fire at an illegal Hauz Rani B&amp;B that killed 21 people, prompting the government to scrap its Bed and Breakfast policy.

Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire: Owner Lavkesh Bajaj nabbed after 21 killed

A case has been registered against the "bed-and-breakfast" hotel's co-owner, Luvkesh Bajaj, in Delhi on Wednesday (June 3), after it caught fire, claiming the lives of at least 21 people. Police confirmed that Bajaj is currently absconding, and teams have been deployed to find him. A massive fire broke out in a five-storey building running a hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning. Among 21 casualties, at least 18 people were foreign nationals. Several injured were rushed to hospitals soon after the incident. Most of the foreigners were from Central Asian and African countries, officials confirmed. As per reports the foreigners hailed from Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Somalia, Liberia, and Afghanistan. Delhi Fire Services rushed multiple fire engines to Flourish Stay B&amp;B in the busy South Delhi area after receiving a call about a blaze at around 9.45 am. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. DCP (South) Anant Mittal said in a statement that at least 40 people have been rescued and confirmed that the fire has been successfully extinguished with the assistance of 8 fire tenders.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-fire-breaks-out-in-delhi-s-malviya-nagar-restaurant-20-dead-so-far-1780470852934">Massive fire breaks out in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar hotel, at least 21 dead</a><h3>Hotel licensed to operate only six rooms</h3>As the rescue operations were underway, reports indicated that the hotel was licensed to operate only six rooms under the Bed and Breakfast (BnB) scheme but was allegedly running as many as 25 rooms. In response to the incident, the Delhi Police has filed an FIR under charges of culpable homicide in connection with the case. Following the fire incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. “The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” he added in a post on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A massive fire at the Flourish Stay B&B in Delhi's Malviya Nagar killed 21 people, including 18 foreign nationals. The hotel illegally operated 25 rooms despite a 6-room license. Co-owner Luvkesh Bajaj is absconding under culpable homicide charges.


A case has been registered against the "bed-and-breakfast" hotel's co-owner, Luvkesh Bajaj, in Delhi on Wednesday (June 3), after it caught fire, claiming the lives of at least 21 people. Police confirmed that Bajaj is currently absconding, and teams have been deployed to find him. A massive fire broke out in a five-storey building running a hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning. Among 21 casualties, at least 18 people were foreign nationals. Several injured were rushed to hospitals soon after the incident. Most of the foreigners were from Central Asian and African countries, officials confirmed. As per reports the foreigners hailed from Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Somalia, Liberia, and Afghanistan. Delhi Fire Services rushed multiple fire engines to Flourish Stay B&B in the busy South Delhi area after receiving a call about a blaze at around 9.45 am. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. DCP (South) Anant Mittal said in a statement that at least 40 people have been rescued and confirmed that the fire has been successfully extinguished with the assistance of 8 fire tenders. Also read: Massive fire breaks out in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar hotel, at least 21 dead Hotel licensed to operate only six rooms As the rescue operations were underway, reports indicated that the hotel was licensed to operate only six rooms under the Bed and Breakfast (BnB) scheme but was allegedly running as many as 25 rooms. In response to the incident, the Delhi Police has filed an FIR under charges of culpable homicide in connection with the case. Following the fire incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. “The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” he added in a post on X.

A massive fire at the Flourish Stay B&amp;B in Delhi's Malviya Nagar killed 21 people, including 18 foreign nationals. The hotel illegally operated 25 rooms despite a 6-room license. Co-owner Luvkesh Bajaj is absconding under culpable homicide charges. &nbsp;

At least 18 foreigners among 21 killed in Delhi fire; Police issue look out notice for absconding hotel owner

A distressing development followed in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire, as a woman reportedly wrapping her child in her arms jumped from the third floor of the hotel. The fire erupted at the Hotel Flourish Stay-bed-and-breakfast in the congested Hauz Rani locality. &nbsp;It has resulted in the death of 21 and several others injured, with the expectation of further mounting casualties. According to an eyewitness report, as many as six people jumped from the burning building in a bid to save their lives. Shopkeepers around the locality, sensing the grave nature of the situation, laid mattresses on the road to cushion the fall."A woman holding a young child jumped from the third floor after local residents spread mattresses on the ground below in an attempt to save those trapped inside," PTI quoted a witness as saying. The woman reportedly landed on the mattress and suffered injuries; she was immediately transferred to a hospital. "She was carrying the child tightly and jumped when there was no other way out. People had already arranged mattresses below the building. Both survived, but she appeared to have suffered injuries," said the eyewitness.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-nuclear-deal-mojtaba-khamenei-ceasefire-comments-1780484919314">Trump hints at meeting Mojtaba Khamenei, claims Iran agreed to abandon nuclear weapon</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Death toll rises to 20 in <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/MalviyaNagar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MalviyaNagar</a> tragedy People keep mattress on the ground to save lives as fire engulfs building Warning ⚠️: Disturbing visuals <a href="https://t.co/Nz7D4Lf7dd">https://t.co/Nz7D4Lf7dd</a> <a href="https://t.co/kz3Zd6weRW">pic.twitter.com/kz3Zd6weRW</a>&mdash; Karan Singh / करन सिंह (@Journo_Karan) <a href="https://x.com/Journo_Karan/status/2062080254173430245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"The restaurant was operating on the ground floor of the building. The cause of the fire is still not known. Some people from the upper floors jumped out of the building on the mattresses laid on the road by the locals,"&nbsp; said Jitendra Kumar, SDM, DDMA, South District.&nbsp;Officials said that the budget hotel had 25 rooms and was accommodating approximately 40 guests. The reason for the fire is not clear yet. Out of the 21 deaths, authorities confirmed that 18 were foreign nationals, from countries including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Liberia. The Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report under culpable homicide, as the investigation exposes severe safety lapses.&nbsp;

A woman carrying her child jumped from the third floor of a burning hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar as locals laid mattresses below to save trapped guests. At least 21 people were killed in the fire.

A distressing development followed in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire, as a woman reportedly wrapping her child in her arms jumped from the third floor of the hotel. The fire erupted at the Hotel Flourish Stay-bed-and-breakfast in the congested Hauz Rani locality. It has resulted in the death of 21 and several others injured, with the expectation of further mounting casualties. According to an eyewitness report, as many as six people jumped from the burning building in a bid to save their lives. Shopkeepers around the locality, sensing the grave nature of the situation, laid mattresses on the road to cushion the fall. "A woman holding a young child jumped from the third floor after local residents spread mattresses on the ground below in an attempt to save those trapped inside," PTI quoted a witness as saying. The woman reportedly landed on the mattress and suffered injuries; she was immediately transferred to a hospital. "She was carrying the child tightly and jumped when there was no other way out. People had already arranged mattresses below the building. Both survived, but she appeared to have suffered injuries," said the eyewitness. Also Read: Trump hints at meeting Mojtaba Khamenei, claims Iran agreed to abandon nuclear weapon

A woman carrying her child jumped from the third floor of a burning hotel in Delhi's Malviya Nagar as locals laid mattresses below to save trapped guests. At least 21 people were killed in the fire.

Delhi hotel fire: Woman carrying child jumps from burning building, 21 dead

A devastating fire at bed-and-breakfast (B&amp;B) facility in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday has exposed a disturbing trail of alleged safety violations, trapping dozens of occupants inside a building that officials and witnesses say was ill-equipped to handle an emergency. At least 21 people lost their lives and several others remain in critical condition, making it one of the deadliest fire incidents in the capital in recent years. The tragedy unfolded at around 8:48 am at the guest house in Hauz Rani, a locality that frequently accommodates patients and their families visiting nearby hospitals. More than 40 people were rescued from the smoke-filled building, but many were unable to escape as flames and toxic smoke rapidly engulfed the structure.<h2>Operating Beyond Approved Capacity</h2>One of the most serious allegations to emerge after the fire concerns the property, Flourish Stay B&amp;B's operating licence. According to media reports quoting Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sources, the Delhi Tourism Department had approved only six rooms under the bed-and-breakfast scheme. However, the establishment was allegedly functioning with 24 rooms, a figure also reflected on online booking platforms. The building consisted of a basement, ground floor and five upper floors, according to Delhi Fire Services officials. Authorities have launched investigations into possible regulatory violations and safety lapses.<h2>A Building With No Way Out</h2>Investigators and eyewitnesses have pointed to a series of structural deficiencies that may have worsened the disaster.Delhi Fire Services officer AK Malik said the building was effectively sealed on all sides. “The entire building is like a shaft. It is sealed from all four sides, as even in the front, there is a facade, and the windows are sealed. In buildings like these it often happens that the fire spreads", Malik was quoted saying, in a Hindustan Times report. Ground reports indicate there was only one main exit from the building, despite building safety norms requiring multiple escape routes for commercial lodging establishments. Several media reports and local residents said the outer gate was locked when the fire broke out. Local resident Mansoor, who joined rescue efforts, told ANI: "The building's main entrance had an electronic gate that automatically locked at night. Because the fire cut off the electricity, the gate was completely blocked and would not open. There was absolutely no way out."&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-fire-breaks-out-in-delhi-s-malviya-nagar-restaurant-20-dead-so-far-1780470852934">Massive fire breaks out in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar restaurant, at least 21 dead</a><h2>No Ventilation, Smoke Everywhere</h2>Survivors and residents described a building with little or no ventilation, a factor that may have accelerated the spread of smoke. Minhazul Hassan, a Bangladeshi national staying at the property while accompanying his mother for medical treatment, said, “The building was not well ventilated, as there were no windows, not even in the bathrooms.” HT reported that Neighbour Giriraj Prajapati echoed similar concerns. “Unfortunately a lot of buildings here are built similarly, with no ventilation. I suspect this is what allowed the fire to spread so much.” Officials later confirmed that the fire originated on the ground floor before smoke spread upwards, trapping occupants on higher levels. According to India Today, the Delhi Fire Services Chief confirmed that the hotel lacked a fire NOC, stating that the building's structure itself was not compliant with the safety norms required to obtain one.<h2>Desperate Escapes and Civilian Rescue Efforts</h2>As conditions deteriorated, desperate scenes unfolded outside the building. Witnesses reported people breaking windows, climbing onto ledges and jumping from upper floors in an attempt to survive. Mansoor recounted how residents smashed glass panes and gathered mattresses from nearby hotels to cushion falls. "Two Indian men jumped from the second floor but were injured," he said. He also described efforts to use ropes to rescue occupants stranded on upper floors.&nbsp;Another eyewitness, Om, told ANI that when he arrived around 9:30 am, "the entire fire was raging, and people were jumping from the building from here and there. We saw about five people jumping. One person also broke their leg."Videos from the scene showed people leaping from higher floors as thick smoke billowed from the structure.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/which-came-first-the-black-hole-or-the-galaxy-webb-discovery-questions-a-key-theory-of-galaxy-formation-1780150896705">Which came first—the black hole or the galaxy? Webb discovery questions a key theory of galaxy formation</a><h2>Death Toll Could Rise</h2>According to Max Healthcare, 39 victims were brought to Max Hospital, Saket. Eighteen were declared brought dead, while 15 were admitted to intensive care, including eight on ventilator support in critical condition, said ANI. Five people were discharged after treatment, while one severely injured patient was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. Delhi Police said more than 15 foreign nationals were among those killed. Many victims had travelled to India for medical treatment and were staying near Max Hospital during their visits.&nbsp;Rescue operations concluded at 12:12 pm, according to South District SDM and DDMA official Jitendra Kumar. Forensic teams have since begun examining the site as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the blaze and whether alleged violations contributed to the scale of the disaster. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire, including possible safety lapses and regulatory violations. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has registered an FIR under the culpable homicide provision and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

More than 40 people were rescued from the smoke-filled building, but many were unable to escape as flames and toxic smoke rapidly engulfed the structure.

A devastating fire at bed-and-breakfast (B&B) facility in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday has exposed a disturbing trail of alleged safety violations, trapping dozens of occupants inside a building that officials and witnesses say was ill-equipped to handle an emergency. At least 21 people lost their lives and several others remain in critical condition, making it one of the deadliest fire incidents in the capital in recent years. The tragedy unfolded at around 8:48 am at the guest house in Hauz Rani, a locality that frequently accommodates patients and their families visiting nearby hospitals. More than 40 people were rescued from the smoke-filled building, but many were unable to escape as flames and toxic smoke rapidly engulfed the structure. Operating Beyond Approved Capacity One of the most serious allegations to emerge after the fire concerns the property, Flourish Stay B&B's operating licence. According to media reports quoting Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sources, the Delhi Tourism Department had approved only six rooms under the bed-and-breakfast scheme. However, the establishment was allegedly functioning with 24 rooms, a figure also reflected on online booking platforms. The building consisted of a basement, ground floor and five upper floors, according to Delhi Fire Services officials. Authorities have launched investigations into possible regulatory violations and safety lapses. A Building With No Way Out Investigators and eyewitnesses have pointed to a series of structural deficiencies that may have worsened the disaster. Delhi Fire Services officer AK Malik said the building was effectively sealed on all sides. “The entire building is like a shaft. It is sealed from all four sides, as even in the front, there is a facade, and the windows are sealed. In buildings like these it often happens that the fire spreads", Malik was quoted saying, in a Hindustan Times report. Ground reports indicate there was only one main exit from the building, despite building safety norms requiring multiple escape routes for commercial lodging establishments. Several media reports and local residents said the outer gate was locked when the fire broke out. Local resident Mansoor, who joined rescue efforts, told ANI: "The building's main entrance had an electronic gate that automatically locked at night. Because the fire cut off the electricity, the gate was completely blocked and would not open. There was absolutely no way out." ALSO READ: Massive fire breaks out in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar restaurant, at least 21 dead No Ventilation, Smoke Everywhere Survivors and residents described a building with little or no ventilation, a factor that may have accelerated the spread of smoke. Minhazul Hassan, a Bangladeshi national staying at the property while accompanying his mother for medical treatment, said, “The building was not well ventilated, as there were no windows, not even in the bathrooms.” HT reported that Neighbour Giriraj Prajapati echoed similar concerns. “Unfortunately a lot of buildings here are built similarly, with no ventilation. I suspect this is what allowed the fire to spread so much.” Officials later confirmed that the fire originated on the ground floor before smoke spread upwards, trapping occupants on higher levels. According to India Today, the Delhi Fire Services Chief confirmed that the hotel lacked a fire NOC, stating that the building's structure itself was not compliant with the safety norms required to obtain one. Desperate Escapes and Civilian Rescue Efforts As conditions deteriorated, desperate scenes unfolded outside the building. Witnesses reported people breaking windows, climbing onto ledges and jumping from upper floors in an attempt to survive. Mansoor recounted how residents smashed glass panes and gathered mattresses from nearby hotels to cushion falls. "Two Indian men jumped from the second floor but were injured," he said. He also described efforts to use ropes to rescue occupants stranded on upper floors. Another eyewitness, Om, told ANI that when he arrived around 9:30 am, "the entire fire was raging, and people were jumping from the building from here and there. We saw about five people jumping. One person also broke their leg." Videos from the scene showed people leaping from higher floors as thick smoke billowed from the structure. ALSO READ: Which came first—the black hole or the galaxy? Webb discovery questions a key theory of galaxy formation Death Toll Could Rise According to Max Healthcare, 39 victims were brought to Max Hospital, Saket. Eighteen were declared brought dead, while 15 were admitted to intensive care, including eight on ventilator support in critical condition, said ANI. Five people were discharged after treatment, while one severely injured patient was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. Delhi Police said more than 15 foreign nationals were among those killed. Many victims had travelled to India for medical treatment and were staying near Max Hospital during their visits. Rescue operations concluded at 12:12 pm, according to South District SDM and DDMA official Jitendra Kumar. Forensic teams have since begun examining the site as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the blaze and whether alleged violations contributed to the scale of the disaster. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire, including possible safety lapses and regulatory violations. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has registered an FIR under the culpable homicide provision and other relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

More than 40 people were rescued from the smoke-filled building, but many were unable to escape as flames and toxic smoke rapidly engulfed the structure.

'Single exit, sealed windows, illegal expansion': Inside the chain of failures behind Delhi's Malviya Nagar fire that killed 21

At least 21 people have died after a massive fire broke out in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area, according to police. Emergency teams rushed to the spot as flames engulfed a restaurant and nearby sections of the building.
Delhi Fire Services launched a rescue operation and successfully pulled three people out from the site.


Delhi Malviya Nagar Fire: PM Modi Expresses Grief, Announces Relief