New Delhi hotel owner arrested after blaze kills 21 VIDEO

Police in New Delhi have arrested the owner of a hotel where 21 people were killed in a fire earlier this week, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI).

The owner, identified as Lavkesh Bajaj, was detained during the investigation into the blaze that broke out on the morning of June 3 at a hotel in the southern part of the city.

Police sources said Bajaj told investigators that he had transferred the management of the hotel to an individual named Jai Mishra, who has now been declared wanted. He also claimed that all relevant licences had been issued in his name and that he had legally acquired the building in 2022 before converting it into a hotel and guesthouse.

Authorities are now verifying whether the property was operating in line with licensing regulations. Preliminary findings suggest the establishment was authorised for only six rooms, while it was allegedly operating with around 25.

Investigators are also examining whether the premises had approval to provide services including accommodation, food, and wellness facilities.

According to police sources, Bajaj said he was passing by the hotel when the fire broke out but did not stop. He later reportedly moved across different parts of the city before being tracked down by officers.

The fire claimed 21 lives, including 18 foreign nationals. Survivors included 47 people. Victims are reported to have come from Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Liberia, Mozambique, Nigeria and Somalia.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

 By Aghakazim Guliyev