The Delhi Police have filed a massive chargesheet in the Malviya Nagar B&B fire case. Investigations reveal that an emergency exit was intentionally blocked to accommodate illegal room expansions.
- Police filed a 1,500-page chargesheet against Lavkesh Bajaj, Jai Mishra, and Kesar Negi.
- The investigation found the rear emergency exit was blocked during illegal construction of additional floors.
- The property operated 26 rooms despite having a license for only 6 under the B&B scheme.
- The fire was triggered by an unattended oil fryer in the kitchen.
In a major development regarding the tragic Malviya Nagar fire that claimed the lives of 23 people, including foreign nationals, the Delhi Police on Tuesday filed a comprehensive 1,500-page chargesheet. The document names three primary accused: property owner Lavkesh Bajaj, manager-cum-accountant Jai Mishra, and cook Kesar Negi.
The probe has unearthed a chilling pattern of negligence and deception. According to investigators, when Bajaj initially acquired the building, it consisted of only two storeys. However, during the subsequent construction of additional floors to maximize profit, the alternative exit route at the rear of the building was allegedly blocked. This fatal decision left occupants with no way to escape once the building was engulfed in smoke.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident highlights a systemic failure in urban regulation and the dangerous exploitation of hospitality schemes. The prioritization of commercial expansion over basic human safety protocols creates 'death traps' in densely populated urban areas like Delhi.
The intentional blocking of fire exits to create extra revenue-generating space is nothing short of criminal negligence.
The investigation further revealed that the property was operating under false pretenses. While Bajaj intended to run a full-scale hotel, he lacked the necessary fire clearance certificates and hotel licenses. Instead, he allegedly manipulated the Tourism Department’s Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme by presenting the property as a residence owned by Jai Mishra. Mishra reportedly submitted a false affidavit, as he did not reside on the premises as required by law.
Discrepancies in room capacity were also glaring. While the B&B license permitted only six rooms, the police discovered that the property was illegally operating 26 rooms. This overcrowding significantly exacerbated the chaos during the fire that broke out on June 3.
| Parameter | Legal/Permitted Status | Actual Status (As per Probe) |
|---|---|---|
| Room Count | 06 Rooms | 26 Rooms |
| Exit Routes | Dual exits required | Rear exit was blocked |
| Operational Type | Residential B&B | Unlicensed Hotel |
The fire itself reportedly began in the kitchen. Investigators allege that Kesar Negi left an oil fryer switched on while preparing tea. The oil reached its auto-ignition temperature, causing a rapid spread of flames through the five-storey structure. Negi allegedly fled the scene without alerting guests or emergency services as the fire grew out of control.
The accused face serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, endangering human life, and negligent conduct regarding combustible matter. While the final Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report is still pending, the police have laid out a clear roadmap of the criminal negligence involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many people died in the Malviya Nagar fire?
A total of 23 people, including foreign nationals, lost their lives in the blaze.
2. What was the primary cause of the fire?
The fire was triggered when an oil fryer was left unattended in the kitchen, leading to auto-ignition.
