New details have emerged about the owner of the Delhi bed-and-breakfast (B&B) where a devastating fire claimed 21 lives earlier this week.
According to police, the property owner had previously been arrested in connection with a case involving forged identity documents and the alleged illegal stay of Bangladeshi nationals in India.
The revelation comes as investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the fatal blaze that broke out at the establishment and left dozens injured.
Police Reveal Previous Arrest
According to Delhi Police, B&B owner Lovkesh Bajaj was arrested in 2025 after investigators found that he had allegedly allowed a Bangladeshi woman, her daughter, and her minor grandson to use his residential address in Delhi’s Chhatarpur Enclave.
Authorities alleged that the address was used to obtain Indian identity documents, including Aadhaar cards and passports, despite the individuals being foreign nationals.
Police said a case involving cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy was registered after the individuals were found in possession of allegedly fraudulently obtained documents.
Allegations of Facilitating Illegal Stay
Investigators stated that the Bangladeshi nationals were residing illegally in the Paharganj area while using Indian identification documents.
During the probe, authorities allegedly discovered that one of the individuals had obtained an Indian passport using Bajaj’s address.
Police officials said evidence gathered during the investigation led to Bajaj’s arrest and the filing of a charge sheet before a city court.
The Bangladeshi woman and her daughter were also arrested, while legal proceedings involving the minor were initiated in accordance with applicable laws.
Deadly Fire Claims 21 Lives
The latest controversy follows a tragic fire that erupted at the B&B on Wednesday, killing 21 people and injuring 21 others.
Authorities said the fire originated in the kitchen area of a restaurant operating on the ground floor of the building before spreading rapidly through the premises.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene and carried out rescue operations, but the scale of the blaze resulted in significant loss of life.
Licensing Violations Under Investigation
Investigations have also uncovered alleged licensing irregularities related to the property.
Preliminary findings indicate that Bajaj did not possess the required licence to operate a restaurant at the premises. Officials reportedly found that he only held a licence for a tea-and-snacks outlet, which did not permit full-scale cooking operations or customer seating.
Authorities further revealed that even this licence had expired on March 31, 2026.
Renewal Application Filed After Fire
According to officials, Bajaj applied for renewal of the licence on the same day the fire occurred.
The application was reportedly submitted hours after the blaze was reported to authorities. Government officials later rejected the renewal request.
The timing of the application has become a significant point of scrutiny in the ongoing investigation.
Multiple Agencies Examining Safety Lapses
Investigators are now examining whether violations of safety regulations, licensing norms, and operational guidelines contributed to the tragedy.
Officials are reviewing records related to fire safety compliance, occupancy permissions, and business operations at the property.
The case has also renewed concerns about the functioning of unlicensed hospitality establishments and the enforcement of safety standards in densely populated urban areas.
Questions Over Accountability
The discovery of Bajaj’s earlier arrest has intensified public scrutiny of the case.
Legal experts note that investigators will likely examine whether previous allegations involving document fraud and illegal residency have any connection to broader compliance failures linked to the property.
Authorities have assured that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly investigated and that action will be taken against anyone found responsible for violations of the law.
Investigation Continues
As families mourn the victims of one of Delhi’s deadliest recent fire incidents, investigators continue gathering evidence and questioning individuals connected to the establishment.
The outcome of the probe is expected to determine whether criminal negligence, regulatory violations, or other factors contributed to the disaster.
For now, the focus remains on identifying accountability, ensuring justice for the victims, and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
