A tragic fire at a bed and breakfast in the Malviya Nagar area of South Delhi on Wednesday claimed the lives of 21 individuals. Authorities from the Delhi Police have revealed that the establishment was only authorized to operate six rooms but was actually accommodating 25 guests. The government is now investigating who granted permission for the property to exceed its legal capacity.
During a visit to the site by The Indian Express, it was discovered that two bed and breakfasts—Flourish Stays and Micasa Inn—were operating within the same building, separated by a partition. Police reports indicate that the fire originated in the kitchen of the Flourish BnB, which is situated in the basement, and subsequently spread to the Micasa Inn.
A senior official in the government stated that the Tourism Department is responsible for issuing permits for bed and breakfasts. “An inquiry has been initiated to determine who authorized the Malviya Nagar BnB,” the official noted. “The structure, which includes a basement and four additional floors, was permitted to have only six rooms.”
The Delhi Police have filed a First Information Report (FIR) for culpable homicide not amounting to murder against unidentified individuals. Sources have also indicated that the building lacked a valid fire No-Objection Certificate.
In response to the incident, Delhi’s Home Minister Ashish Sood has ordered the immediate sealing of all bed and breakfasts that violate building codes and regulations. He has also mandated the formation of a high-level committee, chaired by the District Magistrate of South Delhi, which will include officials from various departments such as fire safety, municipal services, power, health, and tourism. This committee is tasked with inspecting all bed and breakfasts in Malviya Nagar and throughout the capital.
The minister has requested a comprehensive report detailing the total number of bed and breakfasts, identifying those in violation of regulations, and specifying how many have been sealed by the end of the day, according to a senior official.
