After razing fire killed at least 21 people at a hotel in Malviya Nagar area in South Delhi, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) launched a major crackdown across the national capital's Hauz Rani area.

The MCD is set to take action against establishments operating guest houses and hotels in Hauz Rani by illegally obtaining Bed and Breakfast (B&B) licences. The MCD has written to the Tourism Department, requesting the cancellation of their licenses. Following this, the MCD will take further action by issuing sealing notices to these establishments.

The corporation had identified these 12 establishments on Wednesday, immediately after the incident, all located near the scene. Licenses of these hotels will be cancelled. On Thursday, 20 more establishments were identified, which will be sealed and action will be taken against them.

The officer said that there is a rule to take action only after 72 hours of giving notice, hence he is following the rule.

As many as 21 people, 12 foreigners and 8 Indians, lost their lives in a tragic fire on Wednesday. Most of the deceased were staying at Flourish Stay B&B as their relatives were undergoing treatment at Max Hospital, which is located in front of the hotel.

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Over 40 people were rescued while several others sustained critical injuries. The preliminary investigation found out serious violation of rules and guidelines. The hotel was licenses to operate as a guest house with 6 rooms. However, 26 rooms were built with a restaurant in the basement, where fire erupted.

Moreover, the hotel was reportedly having no emergency exit, fire safety lapses, illegal construction, etc. The exit to the roof was blocked and the cooking heaters were being used in multiple guest rooms.

The police had registered a case under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 326(g) (offence of mischief by fire), 324(5) (wrongful damage of property), 125(a) (negligence act that endangers human life and safety), 125(b) (grievous hurt by negligence) and 287 (negligence conduct with respect to fire) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

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On Wednesday night, the Delhi Police arrested Lavkesh Bajaj, the co-owner of the hotel, who was reportedly present at the site when the fire erupted. He drove away in panic even as guests were inside and making efforts to save their lives. He was presented before the judicial magistrate court, which sent him to four days judicial custody.