Delhi B&B fire: Owner wanted to open hotel, application rejected in 2022, say cops

The source added that Bajaj applied for a hotel licence through the Delhi Police Licensing Department in August 2022. However, the application was rejected.  Officials said that, at the time, Delhi Police issued final hotel licences only after applicants submitted all mandatory clearances, including licences from civic authorities, revenue records, and a fire NOC from the DFS — Bajaj had not secured these clearances.

The licensing system was revised in 2025, and Delhi Police no longer issues such licences.

Investigators had earlier claimed that Bajaj went on to construct additional floors and operate 26 rooms, despite having approval for only six rooms under the B&B scheme.  “Since construction of the building had already begun, he (Bajaj) decided to obtain approval under the Bed and Breakfast (B&B) scheme administered by the Delhi Tourism department,” a source said.

For registration under the B&B scheme, it was mandatory for the owner to reside at the same premises. Police alleged that Bajaj showed his accountant as the owner of the property before the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), which subsequently issued the B&B licence.

Police said they have collected all relevant documents linked to the bed and breakfast facility to strengthen their case. Bajaj and two employees have already been arrested in connection with the incident and the investigations in the case are still underway.