On Friday morning, a fire broke out at the 12th floor of Flourish Stay B&B in Hauz Rani, Delhi. The flames spread rapidly, trapping residents and creating chaos. Authorities and local residents acted quickly to evacuate people from the building, but the blaze claimed 21 lives, leaving families devastated and sparking widespread outrage across the capital.
Arrest of Chef Keshav Negi
Delhi police arrested 65-year-old chef Keshav Negi from Dilshad Garden, who worked at Flourish Stay B&B. Officials allege his negligence contributed to the scale of the disaster. Investigators interrogated him for six hours before sending him on a two-day police remand. Authorities claimed Negi turned off the main power supply during the emergency, worsening the situation and complicating escape efforts.
Allegations of Negligence
Negi explained that an electric stove malfunction caused the initial fire. Meanwhile, police accused him of actions that worsened the fire’s spread and casualties. The power outage disabled electronic exit systems, preventing residents from escaping safely. Emergency teams believe this mismanagement directly increased the fatality count.
Community and Political Reactions
Voices in Uttarakhand spoke in support of Negi, stressing fair treatment for migrant workers. Meanwhile, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami consulted with Delhi CM Rekha Gupta to ensure a transparent investigation. AAP legislator Sanjeev Jha criticized targeting Negi alone, emphasizing accountability for the building management and municipal authorities for safety lapses. Locals and activists highlighted long-standing safety violations in illegal structures operating beyond their permitted capacities.
Court Proceedings and Investigation
Keshav Negi will appear in Saket Court today as his police remand expires. The court prepared heightened security around the premises. Police maintain that Negi’s actions, including shutting the main power, were significant contributors to the Malviya Nagar fire’s deadly impact. Investigation teams continue to examine all safety violations and operational lapses to determine the full scope of responsibility.
The Delhi Fire Department continues to review protocols and reinforce inspections in similar high-rise residential structures to prevent future tragedies. Officials stress that accountability extends beyond a single individual to include owners, management, and regulatory oversight failures.
