Delhi hotel fire kills 22, chef and owner arrested

A fire broke out on June 3 at the Flurish Stay Bed and Breakfast in Delhi's Malviya Nagar, killing 22 people, including a 16‑year‑old girl and numerous foreign nationals from Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Iraq, Congo, Mozambique and Liberia. The death toll rose to 22 after a Nigerian citizen died during treatment. Investigations revealed that the hotel was operating far beyond its authorised capacity – only six rooms were permitted but 28 were in use – and that fire‑safety measures were lacking. Most victims died of suffocation rather than burns, and fire extinguishers present were not employed.

Authorities arrested the hotel’s chef, Keshav Negi, who is suspected of negligence that may have sparked the blaze, and owner Lovkesh Bajaj, who faces charges including culpable homicide. Police are also seeking accountant Jay Mishra, a longtime associate of Bajaj. The incident has prompted a wider crackdown on illegal constructions in Delhi, with hundreds of buildings sealed, demolished or fined for violating safety norms.