Keshar Negi Granted Bail in Delhi's Malviya Nagar Hotel Fire Case

A Delhi court granted bail to chef Keshar Negi, who was arrested after the June 3 fire at the Flourish Stays Bed and Breakfast in Malviya Nagar that killed 22 people, including 13 foreign nationals. Additional Sessions Judge Samar Vishal ordered the release on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with an equal surety, imposing conditions such as cooperating with the investigation and not leaving India without permission.

The prosecution had alleged that Negi, as the senior kitchen staff, switched on the electric oil fryer and other appliances shortly before the blaze, suggesting negligence. However, the court noted that the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined pending forensic analysis, and there was no prima facie evidence linking Negi to the hotel's safety systems. Other accused in the case include hotel owner Lovkesh Bajaj and manager Jay Mishra.