Introduction to the Malviya Nagar Fire Hotel Police Custody Case
The Malviya Nagar fire hotel police custody case took a decisive turn on June 4, 2026, when a Delhi court remanded Lavkesh Bajaj — co-owner of Flourish Stays — to four days of police custody.
According to LiveLaw, Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Bhanu Pratap Singh of the Saket Courts, Delhi, presided over the remand hearing and granted the custody plea filed by Delhi Police.
Background: Malviya Nagar Fire and Hotel Flourish Stays
The fire broke out on the morning of June 3, 2026, at the Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast in the Hauz Rani locality of Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, killing 21 people, as reported by LawBeat.
Of the 21 victims, 9 were Indian nationals and 12 were foreign nationals from countries including Bangladesh, Liberia, Nigeria, and Mozambique. At least 58 people were rescued from the building and shifted to hospitals, with 26 injured individuals continuing to receive treatment.
Investigators uncovered severe safety violations at the property. Key findings include:
- The hotel held a Silver Category Delhi BnB licence issued in 2024 permitting only 6 rooms (valid until 2027), but the property was found to have approximately 25–26 rooms, including some in the basement.
- The hotel lacked a mandatory fire No Objection Certificate (NOC); the roof exit was found closed, windows were blocked, and the staircase was obstructed by glass panels and construction material, severely hampering evacuation.
- Bajaj allegedly named his accountant Jay Mishra as the owner and resident of the building when applying for the BnB licence, according to The Week.
Delhi Police issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) against Bajaj and his wife before his arrest on the evening of June 3, 2026. Hotel manager Jai Mishra remained absconding, with five police teams formed to trace him.
Bajaj also carries a prior arrest record. According to Business Standard, he was arrested on January 29, 2025, at Paharganj police station for allegedly facilitating the illegal stay of Bangladeshi nationals using fraudulent Indian identity documents.
Following the tragedy, the Delhi government announced withdrawal of its BnB licensing policy and a review of all licensed establishments. Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra made the announcement, per India TV News. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta visited injured victims at Max Hospital.
What the Court Said
Bajaj was produced before JMFC Bhanu Pratap Singh at Saket Court on June 4, 2026. The court granted Delhi Police four days of police custody, with the presiding magistrate orally observing that “the arrest was legal,” per LiveLaw.
During the remand hearing, Delhi Police submitted that the investigation was at a preliminary stage, that several hotel staff members had not yet been examined, and that Bajaj had disclosed only two names during initial interrogation, as reported by LawBeat.
Bajaj’s lawyer contested the remand, arguing in court that the arrest was unlawful and that the accused had not received a copy of the FIR. The prosecution countered that Bajaj’s wife had been informed of the arrest in writing, per The Statesman.
The FIR against Bajaj was registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 326(G) (mischief by fire), Section 324(5) (mischief by damaging large-scale property), Section 125(a) and 125(b) (negligent acts endangering life and causing grievous hurt), and Section 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire), according to ANI and LawBeat.
Separately, local media reported that Bajaj allegedly “drove past the burning building but did not stop,” a disclosure attributed to Bajaj himself as reported by The Week.
What It Means for You
This case highlights the grave legal consequences that hotel and guesthouse operators across India can face when safety norms are flouted — from criminal custody to potential conviction under BNS provisions carrying serious penalties.
For guests, travellers, and investors in the hospitality sector, this case is a stark reminder to verify fire NOC compliance, room licensing limits, and emergency exit accessibility before booking or operating any accommodation.
Read more at The Courtroom. Original report: LiveLaw.
Who is Lavkesh Bajaj and what is his connection to the Malviya Nagar fire?
Lavkesh Bajaj is the owner and co-owner of Hotel Flourish Stays (also referred to as Flourish Stay B&B) in the Hauz Rani locality of Malviya Nagar, South Delhi. The fire broke out at his property on June 3, 2026, killing 21 people. He was arrested on the evening of June 3, 2026, following a citywide search, and remanded to four days of police custody by Saket Court on June 4, 2026.
Under which BNS sections was Lavkesh Bajaj charged in the Malviya Nagar fire case?
According to ANI and LawBeat, Bajaj was charged under BNS Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 326(G) (mischief by fire), Section 324(5) (mischief by damaging large-scale property), Section 125(a) and 125(b) (negligent acts endangering life and causing grievous hurt), and Section 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire).
What safety violations were found at Flourish Stays hotel after the Malviya Nagar fire?
Investigators found that the hotel was licensed for only 6 rooms under Delhi’s Silver Category BnB policy but was operating approximately 25–26 rooms, including some in the basement. The hotel lacked a mandatory fire NOC. The roof exit was found closed, windows were blocked, and the staircase was obstructed by glass panels and construction material, all of which hampered evacuation during the fire.
Final Thoughts on the Malviya Nagar Fire Hotel Police Custody Case
The Saket Court’s grant of four days of police custody to Lavkesh Bajaj marks an early but significant step in what is shaping up to be one of Delhi’s most serious hospitality-sector criminal cases in recent memory, with 21 lives lost and sweeping policy consequences already unfolding.
As Delhi Police continue their investigation and the search for absconding hotel manager Jai Mishra intensifies, further legal developments are expected in the days ahead.
Stay updated at The Courtroom.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change or vary by case — consult a qualified lawyer before acting. The Courtroom is not liable for any reliance on this content.
