More than a week after a devastating fire at a bed-and-breakfast facility in Hauz Rani claimed 23 lives, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has taken disciplinary action against two officials. A contractual public health inspector was terminated, and the deputy health officer (DHO) of the South Zone was transferred to headquarters following an internal inquiry into licensing lapses.
Internal Inquiry Findings
The probe revealed that the licence application for a tea and snacks establishment operating on the ground floor of the building had been pending for nearly three months. It was processed on June 2, just one day before the deadly fire on June 3.
According to an MCD order issued on Thursday, assistant public health inspector Prince Mann was assigned the application on March 17 for inspection and report submission. However, the file remained pending for 78 days. Mann conducted a field inspection on June 2 and recommended approval of the licence, which was granted the same day at the zonal level.
Allegations of Negligence
The MCD alleged that the inspection was carried out in a perfunctory and superficial manner, and the report submitted by Mann was false and misleading. The order stated, "The conduct demonstrates a complete lack of integrity and gross negligence," adding that his continuation in service was prejudicial to public interest. His contractual engagement was terminated with immediate effect.
The civic body also termed the 78-day delay in processing the application a clear dereliction of duty, reflecting disregard for prescribed timelines and official responsibilities.
Transfer of Deputy Health Officer
In a separate order, MCD transferred Dr. Sanjay Sinha, Deputy Health Officer of the South Zone, and attached him to the corporation's headquarters with immediate effect on administrative grounds.
The disciplinary action follows an examination of records and explanations submitted by officials involved in the licensing process. Earlier, on June 8, MCD had issued show-cause notices to five Public Health Department officials as part of its probe into the tragedy.
Background of the Incident
The June 3 fire at the Hauz Rani guest house ranks among the deadliest fire incidents in the capital in recent years. It has raised serious questions over regulatory oversight, licensing procedures, and safety compliance at the premises.
