Deadly Malviya Nagar fire: Owner arrested, was told ‘everything works in Delhi’ for illegal room expansion - 10 points
The deadly fire at a hotel-cum-B&B in Malviya Nagar of New Delhi has put the spotlight on how the owner conducted illegal expansion in the
The deadly fire at a hotel-cum-B&B in Malviya Nagar of New Delhi has put the spotlight on how the owner conducted illegal expansion in the hotel because “everything works in Delhi”. Lovkesh Bajaj, the owner of the B&B, has been arrested, and during police interrogation, he revealed that structural changes were suggested as “routine” by “another person”. The hotel operated without a fire NOC in a congested bylane in South Delhi. As more details on glaring lapses in operating the B&B surfaced, signs of a disaster waiting to unfold became increasingly apparent.
The fire started early on Wednesday morning and spread through the five-floor building. The building had only one point of entry and exit, permanently sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door – factors that combined to turn the building into a virtual death trap. As many as 21 people have died in the fire, and many others are critically injured. MALVIYA NAGAR B&B FIRE – 10 POINTS Sources have told ANI that Lovkesh Bajaj told the Delhi Police he did not have time to personally manage or oversee the premises.
Bajaj claimed he had delegated day-to-day operations of the establishment to another person, who was handling billing, accounts and overall management. He further told the investigators that structural changes that included an increase in room size and modifications were suggested by another person who has not been named. Though illegal, the person had assured Lovkesh that such structural changed were “routine” and that “everything works in Delhi.” It is mandatory for any building in Delhi above 15 metres in height to get a fire safety clearance.
The premises did not have a Fire NOC, Lovkesh Bajaj told the police. The building was only ground floor plus one till si seven years ago. The later additions were done without informing the authorities. Besides, a complete building plan was not submitted.
The BriefWire