At least 21 people were killed and several injured in a massive fire at a bed-and-breakfast in Delhi's Malviya Nagar. The fire, believed to have been caused by a short circuit, has prompted the Delhi government to launch a month-long drive to check fire safety compliance at hotels and other buildings.
At least 18 foreign nationals were killed in the fire, including nationals from African nations, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and more. The Ministry of External Affairs said it was in touch with the respective embassies and extending assistance.
The hotel, Flourish Stay BnB, reportedly did not have any fire safety clearance. The building had been constructed without informing the required authorities, and the BnB was operating 24 rooms despite only having permission for six.
Police have registered an FIR under charges of culpable homicide and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in connection with the fire. The owner of the building, Lavkesh Bajaj, has been detained.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has ordered a month-long drive to check fire safety compliance at all hotels, nursing homes, coaching institutes, restaurants, and other vulnerable commercial establishments in the capital.
Delhi's home minister has also ordered a city-wide enforcement drive for Bed and Breakfast establishments across Delhi, and the Delhi Fire Services and the Power Department have been asked to conduct a comprehensive physical inspection of all registered and suspected B&B establishments.
