Uttarakhand CM Calls for Fair Investigation in Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire Incident

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has intervened in the investigation of a tragic hotel fire in Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives. He has called for a fair inquiry into the arrest of Keshav Negi, a chef at the hotel, emphasizing the need for justice and support for the affected families. The incident has sparked criticism from the Uttarakhand Congress, which claims the arrest is an attempt to protect the real culprits. As the investigation unfolds, questions about fire safety measures and responsibilities are being raised, highlighting the need for accountability in such tragic events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 7, 2026, 18:15 IST

Uttarakhand CM Intervenes in Hotel Fire Case

The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has stepped in regarding the case of a state resident arrested following a devastating fire at a hotel in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. This tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in the loss of 21 lives. Dhami reached out to Delhi's Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, urging for an impartial investigation into the case of Keshav Negi, who worked as a chef at the hotel.

Assurances of Justice from Delhi's Chief Minister

In a post shared on Facebook on Sunday, Dhami mentioned that Gupta assured him that no innocent person would face injustice and that the investigation would be based on facts and evidence. He expressed confidence that the Delhi government and relevant agencies would ensure a fair inquiry to uncover the truth. Additionally, Dhami spoke with Negi's daughter, promising her all possible support and reaffirming that his government stands firmly with the migrant Uttarakhand community across the nation.

Congress Criticizes Arrest as a Cover-Up

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand Congress has strongly condemned the arrest, labeling it an attempt by the Delhi government and police to shield the actual culprits. Ganesh Godiyal, the president of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee, raised questions about the basis of Negi's arrest, stating that he was merely employed as a chef and bore no responsibility for fire safety protocols.

Focus on Fire Safety Measures

In a video message on Facebook, Godiyal emphasized that it is natural for people to flee for safety during a fire. He insisted that the investigation should focus on whether the hotel had adequate fire safety measures in place and whether local municipal inspectors fulfilled their duties. He warned that discrimination against the over one million Uttarakhand migrants residing in Delhi would not be tolerated.

Details of the Arrest and Investigation

On Saturday, Delhi police arrested Negi, with investigators alleging that initial findings suggest his negligence may have contributed to the fire that broke out on Wednesday morning. A Delhi court subsequently remanded Negi to two days of police custody. The fire engulfed the hotel, leading to the tragic deaths of 21 individuals, including a 16-year-old girl, with several foreign nationals from countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Iraq, Congo, Mozambique, and Liberia among the deceased.