Delhi hotel fire kills 22; probe links blaze to unattended fryer

A fire broke out on June 3 at the Flourish Stays bed‑and‑breakfast in Delhi's Malviya Nagar neighbourhood, killing 22 people, including 13 foreign nationals and a Nigerian guest who later died in hospital. Police investigations found that an oil fryer left on while cook Keshav Negi prepared tea ignited, spreading rapidly through combustible cartons and the building's ceiling. A roughly 30‑minute delay before the first emergency call allowed the fire to intensify. Negi fled the premises without warning guests or calling for help; manager Rupesh (also known as Rakesh) is still being sought. Hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj’s accountant, Jay Mishra, surrendered and was placed in custody while authorities examine licensing, safety compliance and financial management. Investigators plan to enlist IIT‑Delhi for a technical study of the fire’s propagation. The incident prompted a search for other staff and heightened scrutiny of fire‑safety standards in Delhi’s hospitality sector.