Delhi Hotel Fire Probe: Manager Absconding; Owner Reveals He Ran Unlicensed Property For 8 Years

The Delhi Police have launched a search for Jai Mishra, the manager of Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast in South Delhi’s Hauz Rani area, following a devastating fire that killed 21 people, including 12 foreign nationals. The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday morning when a blaze engulfed the property, trapping dozens of guests inside the basement and upper floors of the building. Authorities have already arrested the establishment’s owner, Lavkesh Bajaj, as investigations into the incident intensify.

According to police officials, Bajaj told investigators during questioning that he had delegated the day-to-day management of the B&B to Mishra. Acting on this information, police teams have launched multiple raids to locate the manager, who has reportedly been absconding since the fire broke out. Investigators believe his testimony could be crucial in establishing operational practices and responsibility for safety compliance at the property.

The fire, which erupted at around 8.45 am on Wednesday, trapped nearly 50 people inside the building. Rescue teams managed to save at least 49 occupants, but 21 people lost their lives in one of the deadliest hotel-related fire incidents in the national capital in recent years. Officials said several victims were foreign nationals staying at the accommodation.

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Preliminary investigations have uncovered multiple alleged violations at the establishment. Authorities stated that Flourish Stay was operating without a no-objection certificate from the Delhi Fire Services and lacked a mandatory fire exit. Investigators also found that the property was running 26 rooms despite being permitted to operate only six rooms under the applicable bed-and-breakfast regulations.

Police are also examining claims made by Bajaj regarding structural modifications carried out at the property. According to investigators, Bajaj alleged that alterations were made following advice from an individual who assured him that the changes were routine and would not attract regulatory action. Authorities have identified the person and plan to question him as part of the ongoing probe.

Investigators are now focusing on determining the exact cause of the fire, identifying all regulatory lapses, and establishing accountability. They are compiling a list of employees associated with the establishment and verifying whether any staff members were among the victims, as several deceased individuals are yet to be formally identified. Bajaj is expected to be produced before a court, where police are likely to seek custody for further interrogation.

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