The investigation into the deadly fire at a hotel in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has gathered pace, with multiple agencies examining allegations of illegal construction, licensing irregularities, fire safety lapses and the actions of hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj before and after the incident.
The fire, which claimed several lives and left others injured, broke out at the hotel and quickly spread through the building, trapping guests inside. Firefighters and rescue personnel rushed to the spot and carried out evacuation operations for several hours before bringing the blaze under control.
Authorities are now probing whether Lovkesh Bajaj’s hotel had expanded beyond approved building plans. Preliminary findings suggest that additional floors and structural modifications may have been carried out without the necessary permissions from civic authorities. Investigators are assessing whether these changes affected emergency exits, ventilation and overall fire safety.
The probe has also raised questions about the hotel’s licensing process. According to officials, the establishment’s licence was reportedly issued in the name of an accountant rather than the person actually operating the hotel. Investigators are examining documents to determine whether false declarations were made and whether regulatory norms were violated during licence approvals and renewals.
The owner has has denied any wrongdoing. He has claimed that all required systems were in place and functioning properly at the time of the incident. Bajaj has reportedly blamed another individual for handling certain operational matters that are now under scrutiny, though investigators have not publicly identified that person.
The case has attracted further attention after reports suggested that Lovkesh Bajaj drove past the burning hotel on the night of the fire instead of stopping at the scene. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, call records and witness statements to establish the sequence of events and determine whether there was any negligence on his part.
Officials from the Delhi Police, the Delhi Fire Service, and municipal authorities are jointly investigating the tragedy. They are examining whether fire safety equipment was functional, whether emergency protocols were followed and whether unauthorised construction contributed to the loss of life.
As the investigation continues, families of the victims are demanding accountability and answers, while officials work to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify any lapses that may have led to the tragedy.
