Investigation – Questions Raised Over Arrest in Delhi Hotel Fire Case
Investigation – The arrest of a chef from Uttarakhand in connection with the deadly fire at a guest accommodation facility in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar has sparked a political debate, with leaders from different parties expressing concern over whether responsibility is being assigned to the right individuals.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Sunday discussed the matter with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and requested that the investigation be conducted impartially. According to officials, Gupta assured him that the probe would rely entirely on evidence and factual findings, adding that no innocent person would be treated unfairly during the process.
State Government Extends Support
Dhami also spoke with Kanishka Negi, the daughter of arrested chef Keshav Negi, and assured her that the Uttarakhand government would provide all possible support. He reiterated that people from Uttarakhand living and working in different parts of the country would continue to receive assistance whenever required.
The issue has attracted attention from senior leaders of the ruling party as well. Garhwal Member of Parliament Anil Baluni said he had contacted the Delhi Police Commissioner and conveyed concerns regarding the manner in which the case was being handled. He stated that legal assistance would be made available to Negi and emphasized the need for a fair investigation.
Demand for Transparent Inquiry
Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat also called for a comprehensive examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident. He said discussions had been held with senior police officials to ensure that the investigation remains transparent and that facts emerge without prejudice against any individual.
Political leaders have stressed that accountability should be established only after a detailed assessment of evidence, particularly given the seriousness of the tragedy and the number of lives lost.
Congress Questions Responsibility Fixation
The Congress party has also voiced support for Negi. Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat argued that the primary focus should be on identifying those responsible for managing and operating the establishment where the fire occurred.
According to Rawat, responsibility should be determined at the level of ownership and management if negligence is found. He questioned whether a lower-level employee should be held accountable before the investigation reaches a final conclusion.
He further remarked that justice requires investigators to determine where actual responsibility lies rather than placing blame on workers with limited authority within an organization.
Death Toll Rises After Victim Succumbs
Meanwhile, the casualty count from the Malviya Nagar fire has increased. Police confirmed on Sunday that a foreign national undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the blaze died at a hospital, raising the death toll to 22.
The fire broke out on Wednesday morning at the Flourish Stay B&B in south Delhi, initially claiming 21 lives. The incident prompted a large-scale emergency response and triggered an investigation into possible lapses related to safety measures and operational practices.
Probe Continues Into Cause of Fire
Police have so far arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj and chef Keshav Negi as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities said the exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially established and will be determined after forensic experts submit their report.
Investigators are examining all aspects of the case, including safety compliance and operational responsibility, as they work to establish the sequence of events that led to one of the capital’s deadliest hotel fire tragedies in recent years.