Malviya Nagar hotel fire: Rekha Gupta orders report, inquiry, and action on illegal guest houses

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has sought a detailed report and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21 people. An FIR has been registered against the property owner. Gupta said the government will act on any lapses and launch a city-wide crackdown on illegal guest houses violating fire safety rules.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta asked South Delhi’s district magistrate for a detailed report. The request followed the Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21 people on Wednesday. Gupta warned of strict action if officials find any lapses. Gupta also said those responsible for the tragedy will face accountability.

Officials said the blaze hit the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar. The fire began around 8.30 am on Wednesday. The five-floor building stood in a narrow, congested lane. Officials said the hotel was operating without a fire NOC.

Malviya Nagar hotel fire: Inquiry, FIR and accountability

Gupta wrote on X, "Lapses that culminated in the tragic fire at a guest house in Malviya Nagar will be examined with utmost seriousness, and accountability will be fixed wherever it lies,\". Gupta said a magisterial inquiry has been ordered. Gupta also said an FIR has been registered against the property owner.

Gupta said the Delhi government will begin a city-wide crackdown after the Malviya Nagar hotel fire. The action will cover illegal properties and unauthorised guest houses. It will also target establishments that violate fire safety rules and building by-laws. Gupta said such premises will be sealed and prosecuted under the law.

Malviya Nagar hotel fire: What officials said about the building

Officials said the fire spread quickly through the narrow structure. The building had only one entry and exit point. Officials said the windows were permanently sealed. The main door used sensors, officials said. Combined, officials said, these conditions made the premises a virtual death trap.

As flames spread, rescue workers and local residents rushed to help. Officials said teams pulled out people who were trapped inside. At least 58 people were rescued and taken to hospitals. Officials said 21 people were declared brought dead at hospitals.

Malviya Nagar hotel fire: Victims and those rescued

Officials said at least 21 people died in the Malviya Nagar hotel fire. The victims included 12 foreigners. Officials said the foreigners were in Delhi as relatives received treatment nearby. Officials said the dead also included nine Indians. Eight of the Indian victims belonged to an extended family.

The Delhi government said the Malviya Nagar hotel fire will face close scrutiny. Gupta said investigators will check for lapses and set responsibility. Officials have ordered a magisterial inquiry and registered an FIR against the property owner. The planned city drive will focus on illegal premises and fire safety violations, with sealing and prosecution as stated.

With inputs from PTI