Cook's Negligence Sparks Deadly Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire

A hotel cook was arrested by Delhi Police in connection to a deadly fire in Malviya Nagar, which resulted in at least 21 fatalities. Safety violations were discovered, and multiple individuals have been detained. Charges have been filed against the hotel owner and others for their role in the incident.

The Delhi Police have detained a hotel cook in relation to the tragic blaze at a Malviya Nagar hotel that resulted in at least 21 fatalities, including several foreigners, authorities disclosed on Saturday. Investigation findings indicate the cook's negligence as a significant factor in the fire outbreak.

The incident, which occurred at a bed-and-breakfast in South Delhi during the early hours of Wednesday, left 13 foreign nationals among the deceased and several others injured. Authorities identified numerous safety lapses and grave shortcomings in the building's fire safety measures during their investigation.

Reports suggest that the building's sealed windows and glass panels prevented smoke from exiting. Additionally, the basement entrance was locked from within, delaying rescue efforts. It took nearly 10 minutes for rescue teams to penetrate the basement, where they saved six to seven individuals. A total of 15 injured patients are receiving care at Max Hospital in Saket, where their conditions remain stable.

The police have also apprehended the hotel owner, Lovekesh Bajaj, alongside Sweety Sarkar and Pushpo Sarkar, in the case. A completed chargesheet has been presented in court against these suspects. Bajaj, the proprietor of Flourish Stays Hotel, is presently under four days of police custody amid ongoing investigations into the blaze that injured 28 others.