In 2022, 60-year-old Lavkesh Bajaj purchased a three-story building in the narrow lanes of Hauz Rani, Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, and decided to convert it into a Bed and Breakfast (B&B).
Building soon acquired a new name—Flourish Stays B&B—and was transformed into a facility comprising 26 rooms spread across five floors and a basement. However, the police stated that he had permission to operate only six rooms.
When questioned by the police, Bajaj claimed that he had increased the number of rooms in the hotel because the business was generating good profits, and also because "anything goes in Delhi," an official reported.
The police added that Bajaj also claimed he did not have sufficient time to manage the hotel personally, and had therefore hired staff to handle all operations.
The police further stated that his wife has also been questioned in connection with this case.
During their preliminary investigation, police and fire officials discovered that the premises were operating with 26 rooms—despite having permission for only six—lacked a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department, and were filled with flammable decorative materials.
An official from the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) stated on Wednesday that Bajaj had installed numerous wooden and plastic frames both inside and outside the building as part of the decor, thereby significantly increasing the combustible load of the structure.
