Tragic Fire in Delhi Hotel Claims Lives of 21 Children

A tragic fire at the 'Flourish Stays' hotel in Delhi has claimed the lives of 21 children, leading to the arrest of the owner, Lovkesh Bajaj. During police interrogation, Bajaj confessed to serious safety violations, including operating without a necessary fire safety certificate and illegally increasing the number of rooms. As investigations continue, the police are expected to seek a remand for further questioning. This incident has raised significant concerns about safety regulations in the hospitality industry, as rescue efforts faced severe challenges due to the building's design. The community is mourning the loss of young lives, with many questions remaining about accountability and safety standards.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 4, 2026, 10:47 IST

Devastating Fire Incident in Malviya Nagar

A catastrophic fire at the 'Flourish Stays' hotel in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, resulted in the tragic loss of 21 young lives on Wednesday. The police apprehended the hotel owner, Lovkesh Bajaj, on the same evening. During interrogation, Bajaj reportedly confessed to his wrongdoing, revealing a disturbing mindset that mocks safety regulations.

'Everything is Allowed in Delhi': A Disturbing Justification for Ignoring Safety Protocols

In his statements, Bajaj admitted that the hotel lacked a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from the Fire Department.

Driven by greed, he expanded the number of rooms: While the Delhi government's 'Bed and Breakfast' policy permitted him to operate only six rooms, he illegally increased this number to 25 for higher profits.

When questioned about the illegal construction, Bajaj absurdly claimed that his business was thriving and that he believed such violations were typically overlooked in Delhi, stating, "Here, everything is allowed."

He further argued that he had delegated daily operations to his staff due to a lack of time to oversee the property.

The Delhi police are expected to present Bajaj in court at 2 PM on Thursday, seeking police remand for further questioning.

Officials reported that the fire broke out around 8:30 AM at the 'Flourish Stay B&B' in Malviya Nagar, engulfing the five-story building rapidly. The property had only one entrance, with windows permanently sealed, and the main door operated by a sensor—these factors severely hampered rescue efforts, effectively turning the building into a 'death trap.'

Owner Flees the Scene Amidst Chaos

Bajaj revealed that he fled the scene shortly after the fire erupted and remained missing for several hours. During questioning, he admitted to panicking and escaping out of fear. Sources indicate that he did not return home but wandered around the city until his arrest hours later.

He allegedly informed investigators that he purchased the building from an individual named 'Ahluwalia' about three years ago and had been operating it as a hotel and guest house since. Bajaj claimed that the property previously housed a 'Khadi store' and was in a dilapidated state when he took over. He asserted that he had obtained permission to run a B&B for tourists and medical visitors, as well as to operate a restaurant. However, the Delhi police are currently verifying these claims and examining the relevant documents.

The police are anticipated to present Bajaj in court around 2 PM on Thursday. Investigators may request a police remand of three to four days to further probe the alleged violations linked to this deadly fire.

As the fire spread, firefighters, rescue teams, and local residents launched a vigorous operation to evacuate those trapped inside.

A total of 58 individuals were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals, where 21 were pronounced dead. Among the deceased were nine Indians, including eight members of a single family who were staying at the hotel.