Delhi Police have arrested the cook of a south Delhi hotel where a fire killed 21 people, alleging his negligence contributed to the blaze. The ongoing investigation is also scrutinising safety violations, unauthorised expansion, and the roles of the owner and an absconding associate in the tragedy.
The latest revelations emerged during the interrogation of hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and accountant Jai Mishra, both of whom were arrested in connection with the June 3 fire at the Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani that claimed 21 lives.
Following a fatal fire at Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar that killed 21, another property linked to the owner has been discovered, revealing a labyrinthine basement with cramped rooms, extensive wooden panelling, and severe fire safety concerns, including lack of ventilation and unauthorised construction.
The owner of a hotel in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, where a devastating fire killed 21 people, has been arrested. Lavkesh Bajaj faces charges of culpable homicide as investigations reveal the hotel allegedly operated without a fire NOC, exceeded its permitted capacity, and violated safety norms, including having only one entry-exit point.
A devastating fire at a hotel in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people, including six foreigners. Investigations reveal severe fire safety violations, such as sealed windows, non-functional sensor gates, overcrowding, and the absence of a fire No Objection Certificate, which turned the building into a death trap.
A fatal fire at a bed-and-breakfast in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, has revealed widespread allegations of safety and building norm violations in numerous local establishments. Locals and guests claim many guest houses operate illegally, exceeding licensed capacities and using unsafe basement accommodations, prompting calls for comprehensive safety audits and stricter enforcement.
Nearly five months before a hotel fire in south Delhi killed at least 21 people, the Delhi high court had directed authorities to formulate an action plan to strengthen fire safety norms in hospitality establishments.
Delhi Police are investigating a deadly hotel fire in Malviya Nagar that killed 21 people, arresting the owner and probing alleged violations of building norms, fire safety lapses, and illegal construction. The hotel reportedly operated more rooms than permitted and lacked a fire NOC.
A post-mortem report for the 15 victims of the Lucknow Aliganj fire revealed that they died from suffocation due to smoke inhalation, not major burn injuries. Doctors found soot in nasal passages and swelling around faces, indicating heavy smoke exposure. The tragedy has led to a high-level probe, arrests, and a directive for fire safety inspections across Uttar Pradesh.
In a bid to provide students with a safe, transparent and quality educational environment, a special drive is being conducted across Uttar Pradesh to strengthen the regulation of coaching institutes and against illegal coaching centres.
The Lucknow Development Authority has served a notice to the owner of the Aliganj building where a recent fire claimed 15 lives, citing alleged building bylaw violations and unauthorised commercial use. The LDA is also investigating its own officials for previously withdrawing a demolition order against the same property in 2016, while police have arrested four individuals in connection with the tragedy.
The owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, have been granted bail in a forgery case related to the nightclub's operation. This follows their earlier bail in connection with the deadly fire at the club last December.
Delhi Police are investigating a blocked roof exit and the use of cooking heaters in guest rooms as key factors in the recent Malviya Nagar hotel fire that killed 21 people. Hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj has been arrested, and a Look Out Circular issued against his wife, while the manager remains absconding.
The announcement comes after a massive fire ripped through the Flourish Stay B&B on Wednesday morning, leaving 21 people dead, including 11 foreign nationals, and several injured.
Jay Mishra, a key accused and associate of the hotel owner in the south Delhi hotel fire that killed 22 people, has surrendered to a court and been remanded to police custody. Mishra is believed to have played a crucial role in the hotel's operations, and his arrest is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the tragic blaze.
West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul announced that the state government will ensure women's freedom of movement at any time and prioritise their complaints. CCTV monitoring will be introduced across civic bodies to enhance transparency and curb corruption. The government also plans to address illegal activities such as toll plazas, sand extraction, and coal mining, while streamlining welfare schemes and improving infrastructure projects.
An African couple undergoing IVF treatment in Delhi were found dead in each other's arms after a devastating fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel claimed their lives along with 19 others. Rescuers described the scene as a profound symbol of love, with the couple embracing in their final moments.
Jay Mishra, a key accused and associate of the owner in the south Delhi hotel fire that killed 22 people, has surrendered to a court. Mishra is implicated in the hotel's operations and lack of security, with the police probe widening to examine his and the owner's roles in the tragedy.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed striking the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker MT Jalveer, carrying 20 Indian seafarers, in the Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating the US blockade against Iran. This incident marks the third commercial vessel attacked by US forces in the region this week, with three Indian seafarers previously losing their lives in an attack on the MT Settebello.
The Enforcement Directorate has attached assets worth Rs 17.45 crore as part of its money laundering investigation against the promoters of a Goa-based nightclub where 25 people were killed in a fire in December 2025.
Police in Gurugram have arrested a man for allegedly firing a shot in the air outside the MGF Mall. The accused, Naveen Kumar, was apprehended after CCTV footage of the incident surfaced on social media.
Delhi's Chief Minister has issued a stern warning to schools against forcing parents to buy uniforms, books, and stationery from specific vendors, emphasising freedom of choice and threatening strict action for non-compliance.
Ghaziabad authorities have sealed two illegal madrasas in Indirapuram and Loni, citing lack of registration, NOCs, and inadequate facilities. This action is part of an intensified crackdown on unrecognised institutions, which gained momentum following the recent killing of a teenager in the area.
An oil tanker carrying 24 Indian seafarers reported a fire off the coast of Oman, with all crew members confirmed safe. The incident occurred amidst renewed hostilities between Israel and Iran, who exchanged attacks on petrochemical facilities.
India summoned the Iranian envoy after two Indian vessels had to reverse course in the Strait of Hormuz following an incident of firing by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.
Gurjot Parkash Sahib gurdwara, located in the suburb of Island Lake, was locked down by police on December 8 because of certain safety violations that had put public safety in jeopardy.
The BJD is demanding the dismissal of Odisha's Health minister and the arrest of a BJP MLA for allegedly violating laws during Ram Navami processions. The allegations include riding a motorbike without a helmet and firing a gun in public.
An explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, prompting investigations and government action.
Three people were killed and seven houses gutted in an armed attack in Loibol Khullen village, Kangpokpi district, Manipur. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the "heinous and cowardly" act, vowing to bring perpetrators to justice and enhance security. The Kuki Inpi Manipur also denounced the violence and demanded an investigation.
An armed attack in Manipur's Kangpokpi district resulted in the deaths of three people and the burning of seven houses. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) have condemned the violence, calling for justice and calm.
Residents of Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, are grappling with fear and trauma a day after a devastating hotel fire claimed 21 lives. Police have arrested the hotel owner and are investigating the cause, including alleged permit violations.
Pakistan has strongly condemned the drone attack on the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates, emphasising the grave violation of international law and the potential for catastrophic consequences.
The owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, have been granted bail in connection with the fire that killed 25 people last December. However, they will remain in jail due to a separate forgery case.
The Delhi government is considering taking over the management of a private school in Janakpuri following allegations of a sexual assault on a three-year-old girl. The Directorate of Education issued a show-cause notice to the school, citing serious lapses in child safety and compliance with norms, which remains unanswered.
Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson has resigned after four years at the helm, prompting the airline to form a committee to find his replacement. Wilson's tenure saw significant changes, including the merger of airlines and fleet expansion, but also faced challenges such as the London-bound flight crash and safety concerns.
Two minor workers sustained severe burn injuries after a fire broke out at an illegal firecracker factory in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh. Police have registered a case and an investigation is underway.
A fire at a nightclub in North Goa killed 23 people, many of whom were trapped in the kitchen while trying to escape. Fire safety violations are suspected.
The owners of the Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub in Goa, where a fire killed 25 people, have been granted bail in the fire case but remain in jail due to a separate forgery case.
'When an establishment operates despite demolition or closure orders, without proper fire exits, evacuation plans or safety audits, and yet is allowed to host large crowds, the state cannot hide behind the language of accident.' 'The authorities were aware of the risks and of the violations, but chose not to act decisively because doing so would have inconvenienced those with influence and financial stakes.' 'In such a scenario, the moral and legal responsibility for the resulting deaths moves from negligence towards culpability; calling it 'murder' is a way of underlining that these lives were sacrificed at the altar of greed and complicity, not fate.'
Videos circulating online showed Gaurav, 44, and Saurav, 40, being escorted by Thai police at Bangkok airport ahead of their departure for India.