The owner of Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar, identified as Lavkesh Bajaj, allegedly told investigators during interrogation that he drove past the hotel after the fire erupted on Wednesday morning but did not stop to help. According to reports, Bajaj left the area because he was afraid. He has been booked under multiple charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, while the hotel manager remains absconding.

Investigators have been examining the charred building and collecting evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events. Police teams, crime branch officers and forensic experts searched the site on Thursday as authorities questioned local residents, shopkeepers, hotel employees and witnesses. The blaze killed 21 people and injured dozens, making it one of the deadliest hotel fires in the capital in recent years.

Police have registered cases under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including culpable homicide, mischief by fire, wrongful damage of property, and negligence relating to fire. Investigators are examining whether violations of building regulations and fire safety norms contributed to the high death toll.

According to investigators, the establishment had permission for only six rooms but was allegedly operating approximately 25 rooms, including some in the basement. Officials are also verifying reports that additional floors were constructed without required approvals. Authorities are investigating allegations that sealed windows, a single entry-exit point and a sensor-operated main door may have trapped occupants inside as the fire spread. The building may have also lacked a mandatory fire no-objection certificate.

Many of those staying at the hotel were reportedly from outside Delhi, including foreign nationals who were in the city while accompanying relatives receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.