New Delhi: A devastating fire at a bed-and-breakfast facility in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Wednesday claimed 21 lives and exposed a shocking web of alleged safety violations, illegal construction, and regulatory lapses that investigators say may have significantly worsened the disaster.

The blaze broke out at the five-storey building housing Flourish Stay B&B, located in Hauz Rani near Saket's major healthcare hub. The property, popular among foreign nationals visiting Delhi for medical treatment, became the scene of one of the capital's deadliest fire incidents in recent years.

As investigations intensify, authorities have arrested the building owner and uncovered multiple violations, including operation of far more rooms than permitted, the absence of mandatory fire safety clearances, illegal structural modifications, and inadequate evacuation routes.

Fire Kills 21, Injures Several

According to authorities, the fire erupted around 8:50 am, reportedly in the restaurant operating from the building's lower level. Thick smoke quickly engulfed the structure, trapping dozens of guests inside.

More than 40 people were rescued, but 21 occupants lost their lives, many reportedly due to suffocation. Several others sustained burn injuries and were rushed to hospitals.

The victims included a large number of foreign nationals, many of whom had travelled to Delhi for medical treatment or were accompanying patients undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals. Reports indicated that several victims belonged to countries including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Liberia.

Heartbreaking visuals from the scene showed desperate guests attempting to escape through windows. In one widely circulated incident, a woman jumped from an upper floor carrying her child. Two women were also seen leaping from the building as flames spread rapidly. Residents rushed to assist by laying mattresses on the road below to cushion the fall of those trying to escape.

Licensed for Six Rooms, Operating Up to 25

Investigators have identified what may be one of the most significant violations linked to the tragedy.

Sources revealed that Flourish Stay had been granted permission under the Delhi government's Bed and Breakfast (B&B) Scheme, which allowed it to legally operate only six guest rooms.

However, authorities found that the establishment was allegedly running around 25 rooms, including accommodation spaces in the basement. This meant the property was housing far more guests than permitted while functioning outside the scope of its approved licence.

Officials believe that the overcrowded nature of the property may have increased evacuation difficulties when the fire broke out. Reports indicate that approximately 40 guests were staying at the hotel at the time of the incident, with many asleep when the blaze began.

No Fire NOC and Missing Safety Systems

Preliminary investigations have also revealed that the property allegedly lacked a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), a mandatory requirement for establishments of this nature.

Authorities are examining how the hotel continued operating despite the absence of fire safety clearance.

Investigators found no evidence of several basic fire-safety measures that could have helped contain the blaze or facilitate evacuation. Reports point to the absence of essential firefighting infrastructure such as:

• Fire extinguishers

• Sprinkler systems

• Adequate fire detection mechanisms

• Proper emergency evacuation arrangements

The lack of these systems is believed to have contributed to the rapid spread of smoke and flames through the building.

Single Entry-Exit Route Became Fatal Bottleneck

Another major concern flagged by investigators is the building's evacuation design.

Delhi Police found that the hotel allegedly had only one entry and exit point despite accommodating a large number of guests. During emergencies, hospitality establishments are generally expected to maintain adequate evacuation routes to ensure safe exits.

The sole access point reportedly became a critical bottleneck as occupants attempted to flee. Officials are also examining reports that the terrace remained locked, further limiting escape options for those trapped on upper floors.

Authorities believe the absence of alternative exits significantly reduced the chances of survival for several victims.

Illegal Construction Under Scanner

Investigators are also probing allegations of unauthorized construction within the property.

Officials suspect that structural modifications may have been carried out beyond what was originally approved under the B&B licence. The existence of additional rooms, including those in the basement, has raised questions about whether the building's layout had been altered without the necessary permissions.

Authorities are now examining municipal records and building approvals to determine the full extent of the alleged violations.

Owner Arrested, Lookout Circular Issued

Delhi Police have arrested the building owner, Lavkesh (Lokesh) Bajaj, as the investigation gathers pace.

Before his detention, authorities issued a Lookout Circular (LOC) and alerted airports and railway stations to prevent any attempt to leave the country. Reports indicate that alerts were also extended to track the movements of individuals connected to the property.

Police are examining whether negligence, illegal operations, and non-compliance with safety regulations directly contributed to the deaths.

The owner and other stakeholders associated with the establishment are expected to face scrutiny over licensing compliance, safety certifications, occupancy levels, and construction approvals.

Medical Tourism Hub Under Focus

The tragedy has also drawn attention to the growing ecosystem of guesthouses and budget accommodations surrounding Delhi's major hospitals.

The Hauz Rani-Saket area serves as a key base for international medical tourists seeking treatment at nearby healthcare facilities. Many guests staying at Flourish Stay were reportedly patients' relatives or individuals visiting Delhi for medical procedures.

Because of its proximity to major hospitals, the B&B attracted a significant number of foreign visitors, many of whom became victims of the fire.

Questions Over Oversight and Enforcement

The incident has reignited concerns over enforcement of fire safety norms in Delhi's hospitality sector.

Investigators are now examining how a property licensed for six rooms was allegedly able to function with more than four times that capacity, reportedly without a valid fire clearance and with serious safety deficiencies.

Authorities are expected to review records from multiple departments, including licensing authorities, municipal bodies, and fire safety agencies, to determine whether regulatory failures enabled the establishment to continue operating despite apparent violations.

The disaster has once again highlighted a recurring pattern seen in major fire incidents across Indian cities—alleged violations of safety norms, unauthorized construction, inadequate emergency exits, and weak enforcement mechanisms that often come under scrutiny only after lives have been lost.

As families mourn the 21 victims, investigators continue piecing together how a property meant to host a limited number of guests allegedly evolved into a crowded accommodation facility lacking the safeguards necessary to protect those inside when disaster struck.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

© Copyright 2026. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Vygr Media.