Delhi Hotel Fire tragedy: Who is Lavkesh Bajaj? Owner of Malviya Nagar B&B arrested hours after lookout notice issued

Malviya Nagar Hote fire incident: Owner of Flourish Stay B&B, Lavkesh Bajaj, is now in police custody after Delhi Police arrested him in the firing incident case in South Delhi's Malviya Nagar where a devastating fire killed 21 people on Wednesday, officials said.

 June 3, 2026

Bajaj's arrest came hours after the blaze engulfed the Flourish Stay hotel in the congested Hauz Rani area in South Delhi. Police had earlier issued a look out circular (LOC) against Bajaj and his wife, and launched an operation to trace them.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi Police said, "The owner of the hotel has been identified as Lokesh Bajaj. According to sources, three partners are involved in the operation of the hotel. It is reported that these partners also own several other hotels and guest houses in Delhi. The police and other investigative agencies are examining aspects related to the hotel's ownership, operations, and safety standards."

Who is Lavkesh Bajaj?

Lavkesh is the owner of the B&B in Malviya Nagar where 21 people were killed. According to officials, Bajaj was initially absconding after the incident, prompting the police to hasten search operations. His detention comes as a crucial development in the case as police attempt to establish accountability for one of the capital's, where a large number of settlements have been illegally constructed, deadliest fire incidents.

Fatalities, injured cases

Meanwhile, Delhi Fire Service said, "Total no. of fatalities are 21 (AIIMS 3, MAX 18), Non-Fatal are 26 (AIIMS 3, Pt. MMM Hospital 2, MAX Saket 20, S.J Hospital Trauma centre 1)"

 June 3, 2026

"In the fire incident at Malviya Nagar, a total of 49 persons were admitted to various hospitals for medical treatment.

During the course of treatment, 21 injured persons have succumbed to their injuries and have been declared dead. The deceased include 09 Indian nationals and 12 foreign nationals.

Delhi Govt takes action

Taking congnizance of the matter, Delhi CMO posted on X, "The lapses that culminated in the tragic fire at a guest house in Malviya Nagar will be examined with utmost seriousness, and accountability will be fixed wherever it lies. A Magisterial Inquiry has been ordered, and an FIR has been registered against the owner of the property. A city-wide crackdown will be launched against illegal properties, unauthorised guest houses and establishments operating in violation of fire safety norms and building by-laws. Such premises will be sealed and prosecuted in accordance with the law.  Those responsible for this tragedy will be held accountable." 

After assessing the severity of the incident, the Delhi government has decided to officially withdraw its Bed and Breakfast policy and review all establishments operating under the scheme, Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said.

“We are going to officially withdraw the Bed and Breakfast scheme, and all establishments licensed under it will be checked,” Mishra told PTI.

“Action would be taken against operators found violating the terms of the licence. If any establishment registered under the scheme is found running more than six rooms, its licence will be cancelled,” the Minister said.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has also decided to seal unauthorised commercial buildings in the South Zone and will start the process on Thursday. was initially constructed in the 1980s, later rebuilt in 2012-13.