A devastating fire at a bed-and-breakfast facility in the Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar in Delhi has claimed 21 lives, triggering a major investigation into safety violations and operational lapses. The blaze broke out at Flourish Stay B&B on Wednesday, engulfing the five-story building in a densely populated neighborhood. Owner Lavkesh Bajaj, who reportedly witnessed the incident, was arrested hours after the tragedy and is now under police scrutiny for his alleged actions during the emergency.

During interrogation, Bajaj is said to have admitted that he drove past his burning property instead of stopping to assist in rescue efforts. According to sources, he told investigators that he acted out of fear as the fire rapidly intensified and people were trapped inside. His statement has become a key part of the ongoing inquiry, with police examining whether negligence or other violations contributed to the scale of the disaster.

Following the incident, Bajaj did not return home and instead reportedly wandered around the city for several hours. Investigators are trying to establish his exact movements after leaving the site of the fire and before his arrest. Officials are also probing whether there was any attempt to alert emergency services in a timely manner or coordinate rescue support from the property.

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Preliminary findings indicate that Bajaj had acquired the building around three years ago from a previous owner named Ahluwalia. The structure, which earlier housed a Khadi store, was later converted into a hotel-cum-guest house. Sources also suggest that the building was already in a deteriorated condition at the time of purchase, raising questions about its suitability for commercial hospitality operations.

Authorities have further alleged that while Bajaj obtained permission under the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme, which permits only six double-bed rooms and requires strict residential compliance, the property was being operated far beyond those limits. Reports indicate that around 25 rooms were functioning, including some in the basement, potentially in violation of safety and licensing norms.

The Delhi Police is currently verifying all statements made by Bajaj during interrogation and is expected to present him before a court for further proceedings, with a remand request likely. The case has also drawn attention to the broader bed and breakfast regulatory framework, which mandates safety compliance, limited occupancy, and residential use to prevent such tragedies in densely populated urban areas.

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