Hotel Cook Arrested in Delhi Fire That Killed 21
During the investigation, authorities reportedly uncovered multiple safety violations and serious shortcomings in the building’s fire safety infrastructure.
By : Bhaskar Hari Sharma
Update: 2026-06-06 05:34 GMT
New Delhi: Three days after a fire at a budget hotel in Malviya Nagar in south Delhi claimed 21 lives, Delhi Police on Saturday arrested the hotel’s cook, alleging negligence in connection with the incident.
The accused, Keshav Negi, was produced before a court and remanded to two days’ police custody. Police sources said preliminary findings suggest his actions may have contributed to the June 3 fire at Flourish Stays Bed and Breakfast in Hauz Rani.
The arrest comes as investigators widen their probe into alleged safety violations, unauthorised expansion and operational lapses at the hotel, which was housing several patients and attendants.
Earlier, police arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and booked him on charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Investigators are examining whether negligence, fire safety violations and structural changes contributed to the high death toll.
According to the FIR registered at Malviya Nagar police station, the hotel was operating 28 rooms despite having permission for only six. Investigators said the unauthorised expansion may have compromised safety standards and evacuation routes.
Officials also flagged deficiencies in fire safety measures. The FIR stated that the basement entrance was found locked during rescue operations, forcing firefighters to break it open. Investigators are examining whether this hampered rescue efforts.
Police said fire extinguishers were found on the premises, but preliminary findings suggest they were either not used or not deployed effectively.
Search operations are underway for Jay Mishra, an associate and accountant of the hotel owner, who has been absconding since the incident. Multiple teams have been formed to trace him, including one sent to Bihar.
Forensic experts are examining evidence collected from the site, including burnt electrical wiring and devices. Investigators are exploring possible causes such as a short circuit or electrical overloading.
Preliminary forensic findings indicate that most victims died due to suffocation caused by dense smoke rather than burn injuries.
Police said questioning of staff and associates is continuing to establish accountability.
In a separate development, Max Hospital, Saket, said five injured patients had been taken off ventilator support and were stable, while one patient remained on life support.
The arrest comes as investigators widen their probe into alleged safety violations, unauthorised expansion and operational lapses at the hotel, which was housing several patients and attendants.
Earlier, police arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and booked him on charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Investigators are examining whether negligence, fire safety violations and structural changes contributed to the high death toll.
According to the FIR registered at Malviya Nagar police station, the hotel was operating 28 rooms despite having permission for only six. Investigators said the unauthorised expansion may have compromised safety standards and evacuation routes.
Officials also flagged deficiencies in fire safety measures. The FIR stated that the basement entrance was found locked during rescue operations, forcing firefighters to break it open. Investigators are examining whether this hampered rescue efforts.
Police said fire extinguishers were found on the premises, but preliminary findings suggest they were either not used or not deployed effectively.
Search operations are underway for Jay Mishra, an associate and accountant of the hotel owner, who has been absconding since the incident. Multiple teams have been formed to trace him, including one sent to Bihar.
Forensic experts are examining evidence collected from the site, including burnt electrical wiring and devices. Investigators are exploring possible causes such as a short circuit or electrical overloading.
Preliminary forensic findings indicate that most victims died due to suffocation caused by dense smoke rather than burn injuries.
Police said questioning of staff and associates is continuing to establish accountability.
In a separate development, Max Hospital, Saket, said five injured patients had been taken off ventilator support and were stable, while one patient remained on life support.