New Delhi (India), June 3: The death toll in the massive fire that broke out at a building housing a restaurant and a bed and breakfast facility in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has risen to 21, with several victims reportedly being foreign nationals from African countries.
The fire broke out at Hotel Mikasa, which housed Lemon Green restaurant and Flourish Stay B&B, near Max Hospital in Saket.
According to sources, many of those staying at the facility were foreign nationals who had come to Delhi for medical treatment at nearby hospitals.
The incident triggered a major rescue operation involving the Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), CATS Ambulance Services and other emergency agencies.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that teams were immediately mobilised after receiving information about the incident and rescue and relief operations were launched.
Owners Identified, Investigation Begins
Police have identified the owner of the property as Lokesh Bajaj, along with three other partners. Officials said all owners have been identified and will be questioned as part of the investigation.
Authorities are examining possible violations related to fire safety norms, including whether the building had a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), whether any expired approvals were renewed, and whether earlier violations pointed out by the Delhi Fire Services were addressed.
Sources said a case of culpable homicide may be registered if serious violations are found. Officials indicated that the owners could face further action, including possible arrest, as the investigation progresses.
A multi-agency probe is underway, with Delhi Police, Fire Services and forensic teams collecting evidence from the site. The building’s approved map and permissions issued by civic authorities are also under scrutiny.
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Questions Over Fire Safety and Infrastructure
The tragedy has again raised concerns over fire safety compliance in Delhi, particularly in areas where guest houses, hotels and commercial establishments operate in residential zones.
Officials pointed out that the nearest fire station was not equipped to handle a fire of this scale. Larger fire tenders had to be called from stations located farther away, which affected the response time.
Experts have also raised concerns over the shortage of fire stations, manpower and equipment in rapidly expanding urban areas where commercial activities have increased.
The incident has brought renewed focus on whether regular safety audits and enforcement mechanisms are being properly implemented.
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Authorities said further investigation will determine the exact cause of the fire, responsibility for alleged violations and whether negligence played a role in the loss of lives.
Ends.
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