Delhi Hotel Fire: How Owner Used Accountant's Name To Secure Licence, Bypass B&B Rules
Delhi Hotel Fire: How Owner Used Accountant's Name To Secure Licence, Bypass B&B Rules Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 11:33 IST Probe into
Delhi Hotel Fire: How Owner Used Accountant's Name To Secure Licence, Bypass B&B Rules Published By, Last Updated: June 04, 2026, 11:33 IST Probe into Malviya Nagar Flourish Stay fire widens, owner Lovkesh Bajaj held for BNS offences, alleged licence misuse and illegal room expansion, Delhi to scrap B and B policy New Delhi: Police personnel stand guard near the site of a fire at a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area (Photo: PTI) The investigation into the deadly fire at a hotel operating as a Bed and Breakfast (B&B) establishment in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has widened, with police now examining allegations that the licence for the property was obtained in the name of the owner’s accountant to meet eligibility requirements under the Delhi government’s B&B scheme. According to a report by The Indian Express, investigators are looking into the role of Jay Mishra, an accountant who allegedly held the licence for Flourish Stay B&B, where a fire on Wednesday killed 21 people. The report quoted police sources and mentioned that under the Delhi government’s earlier B&B policy, the facility was required to be owned by a private homeowner. To satisfy this condition, owner Lovkesh Bajaj allegedly secured the licence in the name of Mishra, who also manages Bajaj’s other properties.
“While applying for the licence, Bajaj showed in the documents that the property belonged to Mishra and that he lived there," a police source was quoted as saying. ALLEGED VIOLATIONS UNDER B&B SCHEME The B&B Scheme was introduced during the 2010 Commonwealth Games to allow homeowners to legally operate tourist accommodation from their residences. Licences under the programme are issued by the Delhi Tourism Department. Flourish Stay was allegedly licensed for six rooms, but was operating around 26 rooms at the time of the fire. Investigators are examining whether the expansion was carried out in violation of licensing conditions and whether authorities were informed about structural changes made to the property. OWNER ARRESTED, FIR REGISTERED Meanwhile, Delhi Police have arrested owner Lovkesh Bajaj and registered an FIR against him under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The FIR includes charges under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 326(g) relating to damage caused through fire or explosive substances, Section 324(5) concerning mischief causing damage, Sections 125(a) and 125(b) dealing with acts endangering life or personal safety, and Section 287 concerning negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible material. Police are also conducting search operations across Delhi to trace the manager of the establishment. OWNER CLAIMS HE DELEGATED OPERATIONS During interrogation, Bajaj allegedly told investigators that he did not personally oversee the premises because he did not have sufficient time to manage them.
He claimed that another person was responsible for billing, accounts and overall management of the property. It was also known that Bajaj allegedly stated that structural modifications and room expansions had been suggested by another individual who assured him that such arrangements were routine and that “everything works in Delhi." Bajaj is also learnt to have admitted during questioning that the premises did not possess a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). Investigators are now examining records from the electricity department and other agencies to verify permissions, approvals and compliance related to the property, including any structural alterations carried out over time. Police are also scrutinising ownership and operational control of other properties linked to the accused. DELHI TO SCRAP B&B POLICY Meanwhile, the tragedy has prompted the Delhi government to announce the withdrawal of the B&B policy under which Flourish Stay was licensed. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra told news agency PTI that the government would officially discontinue the scheme and inspect all establishments operating under it. “We are going to officially withdraw the Bed and Breakfast scheme, and all establishments licensed under it will be checked," Mishra said. “Action would be taken against operators found violating the terms of the licence. If any establishment registered under the scheme is found running more than six rooms, its licence will be cancelled," he said.
According to Mishra, Flourish Stay had been granted a Silver-category licence in 2024 for six rooms, valid until 2027. The fire claimed 21 lives, including foreign nationals, and has triggered scrutiny of licensing practices, regulatory oversight and compliance mechanisms governing hospitality establishments operating under the B&B framework in the national capital. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: June 04, 2026, 11:33 IST News india Delhi Hotel Fire: How Owner Used Accountant's Name To Secure Licence, Bypass B&B Rules Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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