A devastating fire at Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast in the Malviya Nagar area of Delhi has claimed the lives of 21 people. The victims include 17 foreign nationals who were visiting the city for medical treatment. Following the disaster authorities arrested the building owner Lavkesh Bajaj as investigations exposed severe safety violations.
The blaze broke out early Wednesday morning. It rapidly engulfed the five storey structure which officials say lacked a mandatory fire safety clearance. Rescue teams discovered glaring regulatory lapses during their operation. The building featured permanently sealed windows, a single entry point and an illegally modified basement. Police reported that the establishment had permission for only six rooms but was unlawfully operating nearly 25 rooms across unapproved floors.
Delhi Police charged Bajaj with culpable homicide after initially issuing a lookout circular to prevent his escape. Investigators noted that the narrow design of the building caused smoke to trap the guests. Several desperate individuals were seen jumping from the upper floors to flee the flames.
In response to this immense tragedy local authorities ordered a month long inspection drive targeting hotels and guest houses to enforce strict fire safety compliance. The government has promised a massive crackdown on illegal properties operating in congested neighborhoods. Families of the victims now await justice while the probe examines how these fatal violations went entirely unnoticed.
