Hauz Rani B&B where fire killed 23 operated 31 rooms with permission for only six

A month after a devastating fire killed 23 people at the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast in south Delhi's Hauz Rani, investigations have revealed the facility was operating 31 rooms despite having permission for only six. The June 3 blaze, which also injured several others, exposed severe safety violations at the six-storey building, including a complete lack of emergency fire exits.

The victims of the tragedy were predominantly medical patients visiting India for treatment and their caregivers. They had chosen the B&B due to its close proximity to a major private hospital. The facility charged guests between ₹2,000 and ₹3,600 per night.

A recent visit to the site revealed that the premises have not been formally sealed. Although Delhi Police had initially cordoned off the building with tape to prevent unauthorised access, the barricading has since been removed.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal stated that the police tape was removed to facilitate officials from various departments during their visits. However, authorities did not clarify why the personal belongings of the victims and guests still remain inside the building.

Inside the structure, remnants of the tragedy are still visible. On the ground floor, where investigators believe the fire originated, shards of glass, burnt chairs, and tables lie scattered. A kitchen counter was found near the lift shaft, alongside two windowless rooms behind the staircase.

The basement of the building houses four rooms, where half-burnt wheelchairs were found abandoned. Across the upper floors, personal items such as clothes, slippers, leftover food, imitation jewellery, and a tube of cream remain inside the rooms.

During an earlier inspection, authorities had marked a door on the first floor with the words: “I floor with kitchen (slab) front side.” Fire officials previously noted that the congested nature of the Hauz Rani neighbourhood also hampered the movement of fire tenders during the emergency.