'Banners vanish, shutters down': After Delhi's Malviya Nagar tragedy, owner Lavkesh Bajaj’s properties go into 'ghost mode'

NEW DELHI: On the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, the signs are disappearing. Banners have been pulled down, shutters lowered, and several properties linked to arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj have fallen silent in the aftermath of the fire that killed 21 people.

But behind the closed doors, residents say, lies a story of unchecked expansion, ignored safety concerns and a belief that rules could always be bent.

A short distance from the charred remains of Flourish Stay B&B, another hotel allegedly linked to Bajaj — Urban Oasis — stands packed between neighbouring buildings. Locals point to its single entry and exit point and shake their heads.

"If a fire had broken out here, the consequences would have been no different," said one resident.

The neighbourhood is dotted with compact guest houses and budget hotels squeezed into residential structures.

Many residents now wonder how many of them would withstand an emergency.

At another property allegedly owned by Bajaj, a visit reveals a maze-like basement. Narrow passageways snake through cramped rooms, while wooden panelling covers large sections of the interiors.

Some rooms are so small that there is barely enough space to move around.

For residents still reeling from Wednesday's tragedy, the similarities are difficult to ignore.

Locals allege that Bajaj was rarely involved in the day-to-day functioning of the hotels, leaving operations to managers and associates.

"He never used to manage things himself. Other people handled everything," said a resident.

Residents also claim that one of the properties was originally permitted for only a limited number of rooms but was gradually expanded far beyond that.

"He kept on building and building," said another local. "Only after this tragedy have people realised how many safety lapses existed."

According to locals, rooms were rented out for anywhere between Rs 2,000 and Rs 10,000 a day.

Several residents described what they saw as a relentless drive to maximise capacity and profits by adding more rooms and floors.

"His business became highly profitable as the properties kept expanding beyond approved limits," alleged a resident.

'Delhi mein sab chalta hai'

"Delhi mein sab chalta hai" ("everything works in Delhi") was the response allegedly given by the owner of the Malviya Nagar hotel when police questioned him about serious violations.

Officials said he appeared largely indifferent even after the tragedy and reportedly drove past the burning building without stopping to assist during rescue efforts.