Authorities in Delhi continue investigating a south Delhi hotel fire that kills 21 people, with the inquiry expanding to multiple individuals and potential safety issues. Police sources cited by The Hindu report preliminary findings suggesting that the cook’s actions may have contributed to the outbreak. The Times of India reports that investigators arrest a cook identified as Keshav Negi, and that the probe is examining whether negligence on his part sparked the blaze.
Alongside the cook’s arrest, authorities detain several other people, including hotel staff, as they widen their review of what happened on site. Investigators are also looking into possible safety and compliance failures, including allegations of violations and unauthorized construction. The reports characterize the investigation as ongoing, with police working to establish the cause of the fire and determine whether breaches of regulations played a role. Officials have not, in these accounts, released a final conclusion on responsibility, but the current focus includes the suspected role of the cook and broader questions about hotel operations and adherence to safety norms.
