New Delhi, June 4: A devastating fire in a multi-story bed and breakfast building in Malviya Nagar has resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals. This incident follows a similar tragedy in Vivek Vihar a month prior, where nine people lost their lives and several others were injured. Local residents emphasize that fire safety regulations are frequently ignored by both property owners and authorities, attributing this negligence to the overuse of space.
Reports indicate that the fire broke out around 8:30 AM. One resident recounted, “My brother called to inform me that there was a fire in the hotel. I assumed it was a small blaze, but it turned out to be horrific.”
Another resident disclosed awareness of violations of bed and breakfast regulations, noting that more rooms had been created than permitted, a café was operating on the ground floor, and multiple guests were housed in single rooms.
An eyewitness reported that issues similar to those in the Vivek Vihar fire were evident in this incident. The door leading to the roof was locked, preventing escape to the rooftop. Windows and doors were also secured in a manner that made exiting impossible.
Delhi government minister Kapil Mishra stated that illegal hotels and restaurants were operating in the affected area. He described the incident as tragic and heartbreaking. The Chief Minister has ordered a magistrate inquiry, and arrangements have been made for the treatment of all injured individuals at no cost, following the Chief Minister’s request. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
Mishra also mentioned that the bed and breakfast scheme, initiated during the Commonwealth Games, had been approved in 2024 by the previous government for a six-room establishment, but lacked any monitoring provisions.
Aam Aadmi Party leader and former MLA Somnath Bharti questioned the delay of the fire brigade. He noted that a fire station built during his tenure is located very close to the Malviya Nagar metro station. He argued that even during peak traffic, it should have taken no longer than two and a half minutes to respond, and with reduced morning traffic, response times should have been even quicker. “How could the fire brigade take one to one and a half hours to arrive?” he asked.
Congress leader Abhishek Dutt expressed his sorrow over the loss of 21 lives, criticizing the government for negligence. He commended local residents who risked their lives to assist others when the administration failed.
Iraqi diplomat Ode Hatim Mohammed expressed condolences regarding the Malviya Nagar fire, stating, “We are deeply saddened by this incident. On behalf of the Iraqi government, we wish to express our solidarity with the people and government of India. We pray for the swift recovery of all the injured and for God’s mercy on those who lost their lives.”
The police have stated that the investigation is in its early stages, and the accused, Lovkesh Bajaj, may influence witnesses. The court has placed the accused in four days of police custody.
Joint CP Vijay Kumar reported that they received a PCR call about the fire at 8:48 AM on Wednesday. Upon receiving the information, all police teams, including local police, SHO, ACP, additional DCP, and DCP, promptly arrived at the scene. Initial actions were taken with the help of local residents. The police control room alerted other agencies, and fire trucks arrived shortly after. After deploying eight fire engines, the blaze was brought under control in approximately 90 minutes. During this time, many individuals were safely evacuated. A total of 49 people were rescued with the assistance of the fire department, police personnel, local residents, and ambulance services, and were admitted to three hospitals: Max Hospital, AIIMS Trauma Center, and Madan Mohan Malviya Hospital. The owner was arrested during the investigation of the fire.
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