NEW DELHI: Delhi Police, in its initial investigation into the Malviya Nagar hotel fire, has learnt that Flourish Stays B&B in Hauz Rani was functioning in two shifts and that arrested employee Jay Mishra supervised most day-to-day hotel operations, sources said.
Mishra was arrested on Monday after surrendering before a city court in connection with the devastating fire that killed 22 people, including 13 foreign nationals.
According to sources, investigators are examining the hotel’s licensing process, operational practices, documentation and compliance with safety norms. Police have questioned both Mishra and hotel owner Lavkesh Bajaj regarding the incident.
Sources said Mishra received a higher salary than other employees and was considered the owner’s most trusted staff member. During questioning about the B&B licence, Mishra reportedly told investigators that he had submitted his personal documents at the owner’s request.
Police are now trying to ascertain why and how an employee’s documents were allegedly used in the licensing process when Bajaj was the actual owner of the hotel.
Mishra also handled staff deployment, employee duties, guest records, administrative work and overall operational arrangements at the property.
Police further questioned him regarding guest registers, identity records, licensing papers and other documents. It was claimed that all records were destroyed in the fire, though investigators are verifying the claim.
Investigators are also checking whether Mishra was present at the spot during the incident. Sources said he allegedly spent time travelling around the city by bus and metro while tracking developments through news reports.
Police have already arrested hotel chef Keshav Negi, who has been sent to judicial custody. Investigators are also likely to approach IIT-Delhi for a structural and fire-propagation analysis to determine the cause behind the rapid spread of the blaze. Police suspect the fire may have started after an air fryer was accidentally left switched on while tea was being prepared.
Manager received higher salary than others
Sources said Mishra received a higher salary than other employees and was considered the owner’s most trusted staff member. During process of questioning about the B&B licence, Mishra reportedly told investigators that he had submitted his documents at the owner’s request.
