Delhi hotel fire: Owner's police custody extended, cook denied bail

A Delhi court extended the police custody of hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj by two days and ordered cook Keshav Negi to 14 days of judicial custody after rejecting his bail plea. The court also granted police time to interrogate accountant Jay Mishra, who surrendered following the June 3 blaze at the Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi.

The fire killed 21‑22 people and investigators say the building lacked a fire‑no‑objection certificate and had multiple safety violations. Police allege the fire was triggered by the cook’s negligence, while the defence counsel argued the incident “shaken the conscience of the nation” but claimed Negi acted responsibly, stating “I called the manager immediately. I was completely blackened and fell outside.”

The owner, Bajaj, remains in police custody for further interrogation, and three persons – Bajaj, Negi and Mishra – have been named as accused in the case.