NEW DELHI: Following the owner's revelations during questioning, Delhi Police are actively searching for hotel manager Jai Mishra in connection with the devastating fire at a hotel in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives. The investigation is also zeroing in on the establishment's ownership structure and licensing records.
Owner's Claims During Interrogation
Lavkesh Bajaj, the owner who was arrested on Wednesday, told police during questioning that he had entrusted the full management of the hotel to Mishra. He also claimed that all licences linked to the property were issued in the manager's name, according to news agency ANI. Bajaj stated that he is the sole owner of the hotel, had no business partners, purchased the building in 2022, and later converted it into a hotel-cum-guesthouse.
Verification of Licences and Permissions
Officials are now verifying Bajaj's claims regarding permissions to operate a bed-and-breakfast facility, tourist accommodation, a restaurant, and related services from the premises. Investigators are also examining whether the hotel was operating in violation of its licence conditions. Preliminary findings suggest that while permission was granted for six rooms, the property was allegedly being used as a 25-room establishment.
Owner's Actions After the Fire
Bajaj told police he was near the hotel when the fire broke out on Wednesday morning but did not stop. He allegedly left the area out of fear and moved across different parts of the city before being traced by police, according to news agency ANI. He is expected to be produced before a court on Thursday.
Wider Probe into Regulatory Violations
Police are also gathering records related to three other hotels allegedly linked to Bajaj as part of a wider probe into possible regulatory violations. The investigation aims to uncover any systemic issues that may have contributed to the tragedy.
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