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South Delhi hotel fire that killed 21 triggered by short circuit: Police
Investigators are probing if modifications to original structure compromised safety norms.
The South Delhi hotel fire that claimed 21 lives was prima facie caused by a short circuit, police said. (PTI Photo)
The fire at Flourish Stays B&B in South Delhi’s Malviya Nagar where 21 people died was, prima facie, caused by a short circuit, said police.
While LPG cylinders were present inside the premises, officials found no evidence to suggest that any of them exploded during the incident. Police officials said there were some fire extinguishers present inside the hotel but were of no use.
Police arrested the property owner, Lavkesh Bajaj, on Wednesday night.
During questioning, police said he claimed he had purchased the Flourish Stays property around three years ago from a man identified as Ahluwalia.
Investigators said the building is approximately 40 years old, although substantial renovation work, including modifications to the façade and interiors, was carried out over the last two to three years.
Police sources said the structure comprised a basement with four rooms and a kitchen, a ground floor housing the reception area, restaurant and two rooms, and four upper floors containing around five rooms each. There was also a kitchen running on the top floor.
Investigators are examining whether changes made during the renovation altered the original structure and compromised safety norms.
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Officials have since declared the fire-ravaged building dangerous. Portions of the interiors have become unstable following the blaze, with glass panels, tiles and other fittings reportedly coming loose.
In their initial probe, police and fire authorities found that the premises was operating 26 rooms against a permit for 6, it had no NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the fire department, and was filled with flammable decor.
A Delhi Fire Services (DFS) official had said on Wednesday that Bajaj installed multiple wooden and plastic frames inside as well as outside the building as part of its decor, increasing the combustible load.
Authorities are also examining alleged violations of food-safety regulations at the restaurant operating on the premises where the fire took place.
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According to the FIR registered on the complaint of a police officer, the owner failed to ensure adequate safety measures at the building, resulting in a fire that caused multiple deaths.
The FIR was lodged on charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
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