Cops To Rope In IIT To Audit B&B Building

New Delhi: Police have written to IIT Delhi seeking a detailed structural study of the B&B in Hauz Rani where a fire claimed 22 lives on June 3.

A senior police officer told TOI that the department is awaiting a response from the institute. If IIT Delhi agrees to do the study, experts will examine the building’s design, layout and structural features and prepare a report on how the fire spread so rapidly. Sources said the study is expected to help investigators identify the factors that aided the flames to spread to multiple sections of the building in a short time. The experts will also assess if structural deficiencies, design flaws or unauthorised modifications contributed to this.

Jay Mishra, a key accused, surrendered on Monday before the Saket court. The 34-year-old was arrested after his surrender and was remanded in police custody.

The investigation revealed that the owner, Lovkesh Bajaj, had entrusted the day-to-day management of the B&B to Mishra. Mishra was responsible for handling billing and accounts, supervising staff and overseeing the overall functioning of the B&B. Investigators have also found several operational licences and documents of the property issued in his name.

During interrogation, Mishra will be confronted with co-accused Bajaj to verify their respective roles in the management and operation of the B&B. Investigators are expected to question him about the structural modifications allegedly carried out on the premises, the approvals obtained for such alterations, and decisions related to the operation and maintenance of the establishment.

He is also likely to be taken to the hotel for a scene reconstruction exercise, during which he will be asked to explain the building’s layout.

In another development related to the fire, a friend of Okele, a Nigerian national who died following the B&B fire, has appealed to the authorities for assistance.

Speaking to the media, he said Okele and his friend Ikeazu had travelled from Nigeria to India for treatment. Both had burn injuries, and Okele later died. Ikeazu is under treatment. He urged govt to facilitate the repatriation of Okele’s body to Nigeria.

Police are also probing if there was a 30-minute delay in making the first emergency call, and whether an oil fryer was left on unintentionally.