NEW DELHI: Delhi Police has registered an FIR under the culpable homicide section and other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the deadly fire incident in south Delhi’s Malviya Nagar area, which killed at least 21 people.Ten Delhi Police personnel, comprising five head constables and five constables, have also been admitted to hospital after participating in rescue operations. According to police, they were the first responders to enter the premises and are currently undergoing treatment.The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said it received a call regarding the blaze at 9.45 am and immediately dispatched multiple fire tenders to the spot.According to Delhi Police, the restaurant where the fire broke out has been identified as Hotel Flourish Stays. The owner of the hotel has been identified as Lokesh Bajaj. Sources said that three partners are involved in operating the hotel. It is also reported that the partners own several other hotels and guest houses in Delhi.Delhi Police said investigators and other agencies are examining various aspects related to the hotel’s ownership, operations and safety standards as part of the ongoing probe.Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance for the victims and their families.“The loss of lives due to a fire incident in Malviya Nagar, Delhi is tragic. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. Wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. Authorities are providing all possible assistance to those affected,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on social media.The PMO also announced ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).“An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000,” the post quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi as saying.An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the fire and whether any lapses contributed to the tragedy.(With agency inputs)
