He came. He saw, but didn't stop: Malviya Nagar hotel owner 'drove past' burning building instead of stopping to help

NEW DELHI: The owner of a hotel in south Delhi where a fire killed 21 people allegedly drove past the burning building and left without stopping because he was afraid.

According to TV reports, during interrogation, Lavkesh Bajaj allegedly told investigators that he passed by the hotel after the fire had broken out but did not stop to assist in rescue efforts, claiming he left the area because he was frightened.

Bajaj was booked under multiple charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as they continue to investigate the blaze that tore through the Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar on Wednesday morning.

The manager of the hotel remains absconding.

On Thursday, Delhi Police teams, crime branch officers and forensic experts searched the charred building to reconstruct the sequence of events that led to one of the deadliest hotel fires in the capital in recent years.

The area around the hotel remained cordoned off as investigators collected evidence and questioned local residents, shopkeepers, hotel employees and other witnesses.

"Local residents, shopkeepers, hotel staff and other witnesses are also being questioned as part of the investigation," a police officer said.

Police have registered a case under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 326(g) (offence of mischief by fire), 324(5) (wrongful damage of property), 125(a) (penalise negligence act that endangers human life and safety), 125(b) (grievous hurt by negligence) and 287 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita relating to negligent conduct with respect to fire.

Investigators are examining whether alleged violations of building regulations and fire safety norms contributed to the high death toll.

According to investigators, the establishment had permission for only six rooms but was allegedly operating around 25 rooms, including some in the basement. Officials are also verifying reports that additional floors were constructed without the required approvals.

Officials are further looking into whether the building lacked a mandatory fire no-objection certificate (NOC) and whether structural features hindered evacuation efforts.

Investigators are examining allegations that sealed windows, a single entry-exit point and a sensor-operated main door may have trapped occupants inside the building as the fire spread.

The blaze erupted early on Wednesday at the Flourish Stay B&B, leaving 21 people dead and dozens injured.

Many of those staying at the hotel were reportedly from outside Delhi, including foreign nationals who were in the city while accompanying relatives receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.