The Delhi government has decided to withdraw its Bed and Breakfast (B&B) policy and review all establishments operating under the scheme following the devastating fire at a Malviya Nagar guest house that claimed 21 lives, Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra announced on Thursday.
The decision comes as investigators uncover a series of alleged safety, licensing and construction violations at the fire-ravaged Flourish Stays property and two other establishments linked to owner Lavkesh Bajaj.
Police arrested Bajaj on Wednesday night and booked him under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. An FIR has been registered under Sections 105, 326(g), 324(5), 125(a), 125(b) and 287 of the BNS.
The investigation has revealed that the Malviya Nagar property allegedly had permission for only six rooms but was being operated as a 25-room hotel. Police are also examining allegations that rooms were being run from the basement and that additional floors may have been constructed without mandatory approvals.
Investigators are further probing whether the building lacked the required fire No-Objection Certificate (NOC). Officials are also examining reports that sealed windows, a single entry-exit route and a sensor-operated main door may have severely hampered evacuation efforts as flames spread through the structure.
According to police sources, preliminary inspections of two other properties owned by Bajaj have also uncovered alleged violations, including unauthorised construction, inadequate fire-safety arrangements and the existence of only one staircase serving as both entry and exit. Authorities have shut down the properties and are collecting documents related to all three establishments.