New Delhi: Fresh details emerging from the deadly Malviya Nagar hotel-cum-B&B fire have revealed a trail of alleged safety violations, illegal construction and unauthorised structural modifications that may have contributed to the tragedy that claimed 21 lives.

The owner of the establishment, Lovkesh Bajaj, has been arrested and is being questioned by the Delhi Police.

During interrogation, Bajaj reportedly claimed that he was not directly involved in the day-to-day management of the property and had entrusted operations to another individual responsible for billing, accounts and overall administration.

According to sources, Bajaj told investigators that the building underwent structural modifications, including room expansions, on the advice of another person.

He allegedly said he was assured that such alterations were routine and that ‘everything works in Delhi’, despite the changes being carried out without necessary approvals.

Investigators have also found that the hotel was operating without a mandatory Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Under Delhi regulations, buildings exceeding 15 metres in height must obtain fire safety clearance before operation.

Police said the structure was originally a ground-plus-one-floor building and that additional floors were added over the past six to seven years without informing authorities.

A complete building plan was also not submitted to the concerned departments, officials said.

The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday when a fire broke out and rapidly engulfed the five-storey building.

Rescue efforts were hampered by the building’s design, which featured only one entry and exit point, permanently sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door.

Witnesses recounted scenes of panic as several occupants broke windows and jumped from the building in a desperate attempt to escape the flames. Residents reportedly rushed mattresses from nearby shops to cushion their fall.

The incident has prompted swift action from the Delhi government. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra announced that the government would withdraw its Bed and Breakfast (B&B) policy and review all establishments operating under the scheme.

Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident and sought a detailed report from the South Delhi district administration. An FIR has also been registered against the property owner.

Of the 21 victims, 12 were foreign nationals from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique and Liberia.

Several others remain critically injured as authorities continue their investigation into one of Delhi’s deadliest fire tragedies in recent years.