A Delhi court on Wednesday ordered 12 days of judicial custody for two individuals arrested in connection with the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy. The accused, hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and hotel accountant Jay Mishra, were produced before Judge Bhanu Pratap Singh, who granted the remand following a request from the Delhi Police.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The Delhi Police had earlier taken Bajaj and Mishra into custody, alleging significant lapses in safety measures and regulatory compliance at the establishment. Cook Keshav Negi was also arrested on June 8, with investigators pointing to his negligence as a contributing factor to the blaze. Several other individuals linked to the hotel have been detained and are being questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The Malviya Nagar Fire Tragedy
The deadly fire erupted on June 3 at Flourish Stay B&B in Delhi's Hauz Rani area. The flames are believed to have started in a restaurant and kitchen area on the lower floor before rapidly engulfing the multi-storey building, trapping guests inside. Many of the victims were foreign nationals who had come to Delhi for medical treatment or to accompany patients at nearby hospitals. In a desperate bid to escape the fire and thick smoke, some guests jumped from windows.
The incident initially claimed 22 lives and left several others injured. The tragedy has triggered a broader investigation into the hotel's management and its compliance with building and fire safety regulations.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The court's decision to send Bajaj and Mishra to judicial custody marks a significant step in the legal process. The Delhi Police continue to gather evidence and examine the roles of all individuals involved. The investigation aims to determine the full extent of negligence and ensure accountability for the loss of life.
Authorities have emphasized the need for strict enforcement of safety norms in commercial establishments to prevent such disasters in the future. The case remains under scrutiny as the police work to build a comprehensive case against the accused.
