Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 3: Delhi Police have registered a case under provisions related to culpable homicide and other applicable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following the devastating fire at a hotel in Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives.

According to sources, the hotel is owned by Lokesh Bajaj and operated by three business partners who are also associated with several other hotels and guest houses across Delhi. Investigators are examining ownership records, operational practices and possible lapses in safety compliance as part of the probe.

Confirming the casualties, South Delhi Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Jitender Kumar said the rescue operation concluded at 12:12 p.m. A total of 47 people were evacuated from the building, of whom 21 succumbed to their injuries, while 26 others remain under medical care.

Officials said emergency teams conducted an extensive search-and-rescue effort after the fire engulfed the multi-storey Lemon Green Hotel building earlier in the day.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, reported receiving 13 injured persons. Among them, three sustained injuries after jumping from the building in an attempt to escape the blaze.

The hospital also treated 10 rescue personnel from Delhi Police, including five head constables and five constables, who were among the first responders to enter the burning structure during evacuation efforts.

AIIMS further confirmed that three bodies had been shifted to its Burns and Plastic Surgery Department for further procedures.

Senior officials from Delhi Police, Delhi Fire Services and other emergency response agencies remain at the site as investigations continue into the cause of the fire and potential violations of safety regulations.