A day after the devastating fire at Delhi's Malviya Nagar hotel claimed 21 lives, arrested hotel co-owner Lovkesh Bajaj has reportedly told investigators that he was not directly involved in the day-to-day management of the property and had delegated operational responsibilities to another individual.
According to sources, Bajaj told Delhi Police during questioning that he did not have the time to personally oversee the establishment. He allegedly claimed that billing, accounts, guest management, and other routine operations were being handled by “another person” entrusted with running the premises.
Investigators also learned that Bajaj attributed several structural modifications in the building to the same individual. He reportedly said that room expansions and other alterations were suggested to him as routine practices and was allegedly assured that such arrangements were common and would not create problems.
However, police are treating these claims with caution. Authorities are now examining records from multiple government agencies, including the electricity department and municipal bodies, to determine who exercised actual control over the property and whether the modifications were legally approved. Investigators are also looking into ownership and management links connected to other properties associated with Bajaj.
During interrogation, Bajaj is also reported to have acknowledged that the premises did not possess a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). Officials have found that the building allegedly operated without mandatory fire safety clearances and had undergone unauthorized structural changes. Preliminary findings suggest the hotel was functioning far beyond its approved capacity.
The tragedy occurred when a massive fire swept through the hotel, trapping guests inside. Authorities said 21 people were killed, including foreign nationals, while dozens of others were injured. Rescue teams reportedly encountered sealed windows and other obstacles during evacuation efforts, raising serious concerns about safety compliance.
Delhi Police have arrested Bajaj and registered multiple charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. A search is also underway for the hotel's manager and other individuals who may have played a role in the property's operations and safety management.
The investigation is continuing, with authorities seeking to determine whether negligence, unauthorized construction, and violations of fire safety norms contributed to one of Delhi's deadliest hotel fire tragedies in recent years.
