Lavkesh Bajaj Arrested in Deadly Flourish Stay B&B Fire

Key Takeaways

• Lavkesh Bajaj, owner of the building, was arrested hours after the blaze killed 21 people in south Delhi.
• At least 21 victims died, including 10 Indians, nine African nationals, and two from Turkmenistan, with 58 others rescued.
• The hotel allegedly lacked a fire NOC, operated beyond permitted capacity, and had sealed windows and a single entry point.
• Police have filed charges including culpable homicide, citing severe violations of safety norms and unauthorized construction.
• Authorities are investigating other associates of the establishment while the fire spreads rapidly through the congested area.

Delhi Police have arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner of the hotel building in Malviya Nagar where a devastating fire killed 21 people on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The arrest comes just hours after the blaze ripped through the Flourish Stay B&B in the congested Hauz Rani area of south Delhi. Officials confirmed that the operation to trace Bajaj and his wife had begun earlier when a look-out circular (LOC) was issued against them. The incident has sparked immediate concern over building safety regulations and emergency preparedness in high-density urban zones.

The blaze spread rapidly through the five-storey building, which allegedly lacked the mandatory fire no-objection certificate (NOC). The structure was reportedly situated in a congested bylane, further complicating emergency access. Investigators point to several critical factors that hampered evacuation efforts, including the presence of only one entry-exit point, permanently sealed windows, and a sensor-operated main door. These architectural restrictions, combined with the alleged lack of proper safety approvals, created a trap for those inside.

At least 58 people were rescued from the smothering conditions and taken to hospitals, where 21 were declared dead. The victims include a diverse group: 10 Indians, nine African nationals, and two from Turkmenistan. Police sources have alleged that the hotel was operating far beyond its permitted capacity and in significant violation of safety norms. Under the Delhi government's Bed & Breakfast policy, the establishment had permission for only six rooms. However, police allege it was running around 25 rooms, including some located in the basement, effectively tripling its legal occupancy.

The severity of the violation extends beyond just room count. Police sources noted that additional floors were allegedly constructed over the years without obtaining required approvals from the authorities. This unauthorized expansion likely contributed to the structural density and the failure of safety protocols during the emergency. The sensor-operated main door, designed for security, may have failed to operate or be easily accessible during the power fluctuations or panic typical of such fires, trapping occupants inside.