Investigation – Delhi Hotel Fire Probe Deepens After Key Associate Surrenders-
Investigation – A key associate of the owner of a South Delhi hotel, where a devastating fire recently resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people, surrendered before a local court on Monday. Following his appearance, the court ordered two days of police custody to allow investigators to continue questioning him in connection with the incident.
Associate Formally Arrested After Court Appearance
The accused, Jay Mishra, who is known to have worked closely with hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj, appeared before Judicial Magistrate Bhanu Pratap Singh and was subsequently taken into custody by Delhi Police. Mishra had been under scrutiny during the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal blaze.
Authorities informed the court that they had been attempting to locate Mishra for several days. During earlier proceedings involving Bajaj, investigators had argued that custodial questioning of the hotel owner was necessary to trace both Mishra and hotel manager Rakesh, whose roles were also being examined as part of the probe.
Investigators Examine Hotel Management Structure
According to police submissions made in court, several important hotel-related records and documents were registered in Mishra’s name. Investigators stated that his connection with Bajaj stretches back nearly ten years and that he had reportedly been involved in handling financial matters and business operations linked to multiple ventures.
Police officials alleged that Mishra acted as a trusted representative for Bajaj and played a significant role in administrative and accounting functions. Investigators are now examining the extent of his participation in decisions related to the hotel’s management, licensing requirements, financial operations and overall functioning.
Focus on Safety Compliance and Previous Case
During the hearing, police also informed the court that Mishra had previously faced legal action in 2024 in relation to alleged deficiencies in safety arrangements at the same property. The case was registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita dealing with actions that may endanger human life, health or public safety.
Investigators said multiple teams had been deployed to conduct searches in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar while efforts were underway to locate him. His surrender before the court came after several days of police attempts to trace his whereabouts.
Owner Questioned About Operational Responsibility
Hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj had earlier been questioned extensively regarding the ownership structure of the property, financial management, compliance with safety regulations and day-to-day operations. Police told the court that during interrogation, Bajaj stated that responsibility for managing the hotel’s routine affairs had been entrusted to Mishra.
The investigation continues to focus on whether lapses in management, safety measures or operational oversight may have contributed to the tragic fire. Authorities are examining records, financial documents and compliance-related paperwork as part of their effort to establish accountability.
Court Rejects Bail Plea of Hotel Chef
In a separate development related to the same case, a Delhi court declined bail to Keshav Negi, a chef arrested following the hotel fire. Judicial Magistrate Bhanu Pratap Singh ruled that the circumstances were not suitable for granting relief at this stage of the investigation.
The court observed that releasing the accused could potentially affect the ongoing inquiry. It noted concerns that he might evade legal proceedings, interfere with evidence or attempt to influence individuals connected to the case.
Negi had approached the court seeking bail after being sent to judicial custody for 14 days. However, the request was rejected, with the court emphasizing the need to allow the investigation to proceed without any possible obstruction.