Delhi Police File Chargesheet in Hauz Rani B&B Fire That Killed 23
Delhi Police on Tuesday filed a 1,687-page chargesheet against three individuals in connection with the June 3 fire at a bed and breakfast in south Delhi’s Hauz Rani that killed 23 people and injured 20 others. Investigators cited inadequate fire-safety measures and illegal property expansion aimed at maximising profits as key factors behind the fatal blaze.
The three accused named in the chargesheet are Lovkesh Bajaj, the owner of Flourish Stay B&B; Jay Mishra, the manager-cum-accountant; and Kesar Negi, the cook. The victims included 14 foreign nationals and eight members of an Indian family.
According to the chargesheet, the fire originated in the ground-floor kitchen of the property at around 8:35 am. Negi allegedly left an oil fryer unattended while it was heating and went to make tea. The oil caught fire 10 to 15 minutes later, which police described as complete negligence. The flames quickly spread to nearby combustible materials, sending thick black smoke up the central staircase, the building's primary passage, and trapping sleeping guests on the upper floors.
Investigators found that the management deliberately ignored basic fire safety norms. While Flourish Stay was licensed to operate only six rooms, the establishment was allegedly running at least 25 rooms across four floors, a basement, and an improvised rooftop setup. The building lacked an emergency fire exit and operated with only a single entry and exit point.
Police alleged that Bajaj modified the building's structure despite knowing the safety limitations. He had previously been denied a licence due to the single entry and exit point, after which he started the B&B without seeking a fire no objection certificate. Mishra managed day-to-day operations under several licences in his name and falsely claimed to police that only two floors and six rooms were in use.
The chargesheet invokes several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), Section 326(g) (mischief by fire or explosive substance), Section 324(5) (mischief), Sections 125(a) and 125(b) (acts endangering life or personal safety), and Section 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire).
The findings are based on statements from more than 130 witnesses, along with reports from BSES, Delhi Fire Services, and preliminary inspections by the Forensic Science Laboratory. During the incident, emergency responders received the first call at 8:48 am, reached the congested site by 8:55 am, and rescued 48 people before controlling the fire around noon.
