TISS Student Shrutika Barnwal Dies In Delhi Hotel Fire Among 21, Cremation Held In Bokaro

Shrutika Barnwal, a 24-year-old student of the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), who was among the victims of the devastating fire at a guesthouse in South Delhi's Hauz Rani area, was cremated in her hometown of Bokaro on Thursday. Her mortal remains were brought from Delhi, where grieving family members, relatives and friends gathered to pay their final respects.

Shrutika was one of 21 people killed in the blaze that engulfed a bed-and-breakfast facility near Malviya Nagar on Wednesday. According to her family, she was speaking to them on the phone when the fire broke out, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking for her loved ones. Several others were also injured in the incident, which is among the deadliest fire accidents reported in the capital in recent years.

Preliminary findings by the Delhi Fire Service and police suggest that the fire originated in the kitchen of a restaurant operating on the ground floor of the building. The flames reportedly spread rapidly through the structure, trapping guests and occupants on the upper floors. Emergency responders launched a rescue operation, but many people were unable to escape in time.

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Investigators have since uncovered alleged regulatory violations linked to the establishment's operations. Authorities said the property's owner, Lavkesh Bajaj, possessed only a licence for a tea and snacks outlet, which did not permit cooking activities or seating arrangements for customers. Officials also found that the licence had expired on March 31 and had not been renewed before the incident.

According to municipal authorities, an online application seeking renewal of the licence was submitted on Wednesday morning, hours after the fire had already occurred. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi subsequently rejected the request. The revelations have intensified scrutiny over safety compliance and licensing procedures at commercial establishments operating in residential and mixed-use buildings.

Delhi Police and fire department officials are continuing their investigation into the cause of the blaze and the circumstances surrounding the alleged violations. The tragedy has renewed concerns about fire safety standards and regulatory enforcement in the national capital, while families of the victims continue to seek answers and accountability for the loss of their loved ones.

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