NEW DELHI: The investigation into the devastating Malviya Nagar hotel fire that claimed 21 lives has widened, with arrested hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj informing police that he owns three hospitality properties — Lemon Green, Micasa and Flourish Stay.Lavkesh told police that two of the properties are solely owned by him, while Micasa is operated in partnership with three other persons, according to police sources quoted by news agency ANI. Police are now examining the ownership structure of the establishments and the operational responsibilities of those associated with them as part of the ongoing probe.The inquiry has also focused on the circumstances surrounding the fire and the factors that may have contributed to the high death toll. Police have found that the roof exit of the hotel was closed at the time of the blaze, potentially blocking a vital escape route for occupants trapped inside the building, news agency ANI reported.Delhi Police have formed 10 teams to investigate the tragedy, including five teams tasked specifically with tracing absconding hotel manager Jai Mishra. Sources said a Look Out Circular (LOC) had also been issued against Bajaj and his wife before his arrest as a precautionary measure.Meanwhile, post-mortem examinations of the victims are underway at AIIMS. So far, six bodies have undergone autopsy. Officials said the precise cause of death in each case will be confirmed only after all examinations are completed. However, preliminary findings suggest that a majority of the victims died due to asphyxiation caused by smoke inhalation.A team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) is expected to revisit the site for further examination. Police are also searching for a key eyewitness whose account is considered crucial to reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the fire.The developments come as the Delhi government announced financial assistance for those affected by the tragedy. The government has declared an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased victim and Rs 5 lakh for those who sustained serious injuries.Chief minister Rekha Gupta visited Max Hospital in Saket and met the injured victims and their families. She reviewed the treatment being provided and directed officials to ensure all necessary support is extended.“The medical expenses of the injured will be facilitated in coordination with the hospital authorities, ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care. An ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased, and those who have been seriously injured will receive Rs 5 lakh in assistance,” the CMO said in a statement.Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire as forensic experts, police teams and eyewitness accounts are brought together to determine how the tragedy unfolded. (With agency inputs)
