Hauz Rani B&B that turned inferno had two add’l access gates sealed to add rooms, say Delhi Police

Hauz Rani B&B Fire: Renovations and Sealed Gates Linked to Tragedy

Hauz Rani B B that turned - The Hauz Rani B&B that turned into a fire inferno had two additional access gates sealed to expand its capacity, according to Delhi Police. The incident, which occurred on June 3, 2024, exposed critical safety lapses in the building’s design and maintenance. The property’s current owner, Lovkesh Bajaj, reportedly closed off two entry points during renovations between 2022 and 2023, reducing escape routes and complicating rescue efforts. This structural change, combined with the building’s previous use as a khadi store, raised concerns about fire safety compliance, as highlighted by officials investigating the disaster.

Building Modifications and Safety Concerns

Bajaj, who purchased the Hauz Rani B&B that had once served as a two-and-a-half-floor khadi store, transformed the property into a larger accommodation facility. The renovations included adding two floors, which increased the number of rooms from six to 23. A tourism department license issued in May 2024 confirmed these changes. However, the sealing of the basement gate and the rear access point—both connected to the ground floor—created bottlenecks during the fire. “The two sealed gates likely contributed to the high casualty count,” said a Delhi Police officer, explaining that the basement became a death trap for at least 12 people.

“With only the front entrance remaining open, firefighters faced significant challenges in reaching the basement. The sealed rear gate further restricted movement, leaving many guests and staff unable to evacuate promptly,” noted an additional investigator.

The fire began in the kitchen, where an oil fryer malfunctioned around 8:30 am. The ground floor, which housed the restaurant and reception area, was crowded with 49 guests and six staff members at the time. The basement, originally used for storage, was converted into sleeping quarters during the renovations. This change, while increasing the building’s profitability, also heightened the risk of entrapment in case of a fire. “The Hauz Rani B&B that was once a simple retail space now became a disaster zone due to its expanded layout and reduced exits,” explained a third officer.

Staff Response and Casualty Details

Witnesses and police reports indicate that staff members fled the scene immediately upon noticing the flames, leaving guests unaware of the danger. Some individuals managed to escape using makeshift ladders or jumping onto mattresses brought by nearby residents, while the majority were trapped. Twenty-one people were declared dead upon arrival at hospitals, with two additional victims—a Nigerian man and a Bangladeshi woman—later succumbing to their injuries. This brought the total death toll to 23, underscoring the severity of the situation.

“The lack of awareness among guests, coupled with the sealed exits, made the Hauz Rani B&B that day a nightmare. If the additional gates had remained open, more lives might have been saved during the early stages of the fire,” said a spokesperson.

The Delhi Police arrested Bajaj on the day of the incident, while the cook, Keshav Negi, and the accountant, Jay Mishra, were detained later. The manager, identified only as Rupesh, is still at large. Investigators are now conducting a thorough structural audit with the help of IIT-Delhi to assess the building’s modifications. This analysis will determine whether the Hauz Rani B&B that was redeveloped met safety standards before it was officially licensed.

Regulatory Changes and Broader Implications

In the wake of the Hauz Rani B&B fire, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a regulatory overhaul to address similar safety issues in Delhi. The new policy transfers authority to issue no-objection certificates for seven categories, including hotels and guest houses, from Delhi Police to district-level committees. These committees, led by district magistrates or deputy commissioners, will now conduct more rigorous inspections. The shift follows the previous rejection of Bajaj’s licensing application, which cited the property’s location as a key concern.

“The Hauz Rani B&B that was redeveloped without proper safety checks serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter oversight. The sealed gates and expanded layout were not just structural changes but also a direct factor in the loss of lives,” remarked a city official.

The disaster has sparked a broader debate on building safety regulations in urban areas. Experts warn that similar cases may arise if renovations are not accompanied by adequate fire safety measures. The Hauz Rani B&B that became a casualty of its own expansion now stands as a symbol of the risks posed by unchecked development. Authorities are expected to file formal charges against Bajaj and his team, with the structural audit playing a pivotal role in the legal proceedings. The incident also highlights the importance of ensuring that all Hauz Rani B&Bs and similar establishments comply with updated safety norms to prevent future tragedies.