The owner of a guest house in Malviya Nagar, where a devastating fire claimed 21 lives, has informed police during interrogation that he lacked the time to personally manage or oversee the premises, according to sources.
Owner's Statement on Fire Safety NOC
Lavkesh Bajaj, who was arrested following the blaze, also told investigators that the building did not require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) under fire safety regulations due to its height. He stated that “any residential building that was less than 15 metres high does not need a NOC according to rule 27 of the Delhi Fire Service Rules, 2010.”
The Incident
The fire tore through the bed-and-breakfast establishment in south Delhi’s densely populated Malviya Nagar area early Wednesday, killing at least 21 people, including 17 foreign nationals, and injuring several others. Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the owner and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
Government Response
The Delhi Chief Minister’s Office stated that the lapses leading to the tragedy would be examined with utmost seriousness, and accountability would be fixed wherever it lies. In a post on X, the office said, “The lapses that culminated in the tragic fire at a guest house in Malviya Nagar will be examined with utmost seriousness, and accountability will be fixed wherever it lies.”
Ongoing Investigations
Officials confirmed that investigations are underway to determine violations related to fire safety clearance, occupancy norms, and building permissions. The authorities are scrutinizing all aspects of the guest house’s operations and compliance with local regulations.
This tragic incident has raised serious questions about fire safety enforcement in residential buildings used as commercial accommodations. The magisterial inquiry is expected to provide a comprehensive report on the lapses and recommend measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
