New Delhi, June 8: The Delhi Police reported on Sunday that another foreign national succumbed to injuries sustained in a devastating fire in Malviya Nagar, raising the death toll to 22.
The deceased was identified as a Nigerian citizen. The tragic incident occurred on June 3 at the multi-story Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast hotel in South Delhi, where 13 foreign nationals and nine Indians have lost their lives.
Authorities previously stated that 47 individuals were rescued from the building, with some still receiving medical treatment. Following the incident, property owner Lovkesh Bajaj was arrested and taken into custody.
Police revealed that Bajaj had been arrested last year for allegedly helping Bangladeshi nationals—a woman, her daughter, and her minor grandson—obtain fake documents to extend their stay in the country.
Additionally, the Delhi Police arrested another suspect in connection with the fire on Saturday. The hotel chef was apprehended after investigations indicated that the fire was allegedly caused by his negligence.
In response to the incident, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta issued strict directives, prompting government agencies, including the MCD, DDA, and Fire Department, to continue their crackdown on violators.
An official statement noted that these agencies conducted inspections, sealing, and demolition operations against unauthorized constructions and violations of fire safety standards.
According to a government official, the revenue department issued 130 notices across 13 districts in the city on Sunday, with the highest number—31—targeting offenders in the western district.
On the same day, the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD) took demolition action on three properties. On Saturday, the MCD had already demolished illegal constructions across 97 buildings.
The daily bulletin from the MCD indicated that 126 properties have been sealed since Saturday, with 12 actions taken on Sunday alone. The MCD has issued show-cause notices for 84 properties due to illegal construction, with 41 sealing notices and 33 demolition orders also issued.
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