Delhi demolishes illegal structures after 21‑person Malviya Nagar fire

A fire at a bed‑and‑breakfast in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, on Wednesday killed 21 people and injured several others. The tragedy prompted a multi‑agency crackdown on illegal buildings and safety violations. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) launched an intensive enforcement drive, demolishing 12 properties and sealing 79 on Saturday, with the total demolition count reaching 94 and 114 sealed across the city since June 1. The crackdown focused on South Delhi neighbourhoods such as Sultanpur, Khanpur, Chirag Delhi and Saidulajab, where more than 40 properties were identified for sealing and at least 12 B&B establishments were scrutinised.

Delhi officials invoked the Delhi Disaster Management Act, allowing jail terms for violations and recovery of losses from culpable officials. Home Minister Ashish Sood announced that district magistrates would receive daily reports on illegal‑construction removal. Police intensified the investigation, seeking Jay Mishra, linked to the Flourish Stays B&B, and holding hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj – already in custody for a separate fraud case involving illegal Indian documents – accountable for the fire.

The coordinated response involves the police, civic authorities and the state government, aiming to prevent further disasters by enforcing building bylaws and fire‑safety norms.