Delhi Fire Case: BnB Owner Had Earlier Arrest in Fake Documents Probe

Delhi Fire Case: BnB Owner Had Earlier Arrest in Fake Documents Probe

New Delhi: The investigation into the deadly fire at Delhi's Flourish Stay B&B has taken a dramatic turn after authorities confirmed that the property's owner, Lavkesh Bajaj, had previously been arrested in a separate case linked to alleged document fraud involving Bangladeshi nationals.

Bajaj is currently in police custody following the devastating blaze that tore through the guest house in Delhi's Malviya Nagar area, killing 21 people and injuring dozens more. The fire, one of the deadliest hotel disasters reported in the national capital in recent years, has triggered widespread outrage and intensified scrutiny of hotel safety regulations.

As investigators continue examining the circumstances behind the fire, details of Bajaj's earlier arrest have resurfaced, raising fresh concerns about the background of the businessman and the regulatory oversight surrounding his operations.

Deadly Fire Sparks Nationwide Attention

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of June 3 when flames engulfed the multi-storey Flourish Stay B&B located in the congested Hauz Rani locality of Malviya Nagar.

According to officials, many guests were asleep when the fire broke out. Rescue operations continued for several hours as firefighters battled thick smoke and intense heat inside the building.

Authorities later confirmed that 21 people lost their lives, including several foreign nationals who had reportedly come to Delhi for medical treatment or tourism-related purposes. Dozens of others suffered injuries.

Police subsequently registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to culpable homicide and negligence.

Owner Arrested After Manhunt

Following the fire, Delhi Police launched an extensive search operation for Bajaj.

Investigators allege that the hotel owner left the area instead of assisting rescue efforts after noticing the building on fire. Reports quoting police sources state that Bajaj later admitted he drove past the burning structure and did not stop because he was frightened.

He was eventually arrested and produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody for further questioning.

The police are now examining hotel records, occupancy details, licensing documents and fire safety compliance certificates.

Previous Arrest in Identity Document Case

The latest twist emerged after investigators confirmed that Bajaj had been arrested in 2025 in connection with a separate case involving alleged document fraud.

According to police records cited in multiple reports, authorities discovered that two Bangladeshi nationals allegedly used an address linked to Bajaj to obtain Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar cards and passports. Investigators alleged that the address verification process was manipulated and that the accused individuals secured documentation despite not being Indian citizens.

Police reportedly arrested Bajaj after tracing the documents back to his address. Chargesheets were later filed in the matter.

Officials have not indicated any direct connection between the earlier document fraud case and the hotel fire investigation. However, the revelation has intensified public interest in Bajaj's background and business dealings.

Questions Over Licensing and Compliance

The fire investigation has also exposed alleged irregularities in the operation of the guest house.

Investigators are examining claims that the property may have been operating beyond approved limits and without meeting all mandatory safety requirements. Reports indicate that authorities are checking whether the establishment possessed the required fire clearances and whether structural modifications were carried out without approval.

Another aspect under scrutiny is the manner in which ownership and licensing documents were submitted before authorities.

Investigators are reportedly verifying records connected to the registration and operation of the property.

A senior police officer associated with the investigation said the inquiry would cover every aspect of the establishment's functioning.

"We are examining all documents, permissions, operational records and safety compliance reports. Responsibility will be fixed wherever violations are found," the officer said.

Impact Beyond Delhi

While the incident occurred in the national capital, the case has wider implications across India.

The tragedy has reignited concerns regarding:

• Safety standards in budget hotels and guest houses.

• Enforcement of fire regulations.

• Verification procedures for identity documentation.

• Monitoring of hospitality establishments operating in densely populated urban areas.

For states such as West Bengal, which share a long international border with Bangladesh, discussions surrounding document fraud and illegal immigration frequently become subjects of public debate and political scrutiny.

Security experts argue that stronger verification mechanisms and digital monitoring systems are needed to prevent misuse of identity documents.

Public and Political Reactions

The fire has triggered sharp reactions from residents, opposition leaders and civil society groups.

Many have questioned how a property allegedly facing compliance issues continued operating despite safety concerns.

Families of victims have demanded strict action against those responsible. Social media platforms have also witnessed widespread criticism of regulatory agencies and local authorities tasked with monitoring commercial establishments.

Experts in fire safety have called for nationwide audits of hotels, lodges and guest houses operating in congested urban neighbourhoods.

"Every major fire tragedy exposes the same weaknesses—poor compliance, inadequate inspections and weak enforcement. Unless those issues are addressed, such incidents will continue to occur," said a Delhi-based fire safety consultant.

What Happens Next?

Delhi Police are expected to continue questioning Bajaj while forensic teams analyze evidence collected from the site.

Authorities are also reviewing:

• Fire safety certifications.

• Building approvals.

• Occupancy records.

• Staff deployment details.

• Licensing documentation.

The findings could determine whether additional criminal charges are filed against the accused or other individuals connected to the operation of the property.

As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on securing justice for the 21 victims who lost their lives and identifying any lapses that may have contributed to the disaster.

The case is likely to remain under close public scrutiny in the coming weeks as investigators piece together the events leading to one of Delhi's worst recent hotel fire tragedies.