Lavkesh Bajaj, arrested in connection with the deadly Malviya Nagar hotel fire in New Delhi, has a prior criminal record — Delhi Police sources confirmed on Friday, 6 June 2025 that he was detained last year in a fake passport case involving the alleged supply of forged Indian documents and passports to Bangladeshi nationals. The disclosure adds a significant dimension to the ongoing fire investigation, raising questions about the hotel's oversight and the accused's background.

The Fake Passport Case

According to police sources, the fake passport case was registered in January 2025. Bajaj was arrested following an investigation into his alleged role in procuring and distributing forged documents. He spent approximately 15 days in Tihar Jail before being released on bail. Proceedings in that case are reportedly still pending before the court.

Hotel Fire Investigation: Key Accused and Absconding Suspects

In the hotel fire probe, investigators are actively searching for the hotel's accountant, Jai Mishra, a resident of Chhatarpur in Delhi, who has been absconding since the incident. Police are also gathering details about the hotel's manager, Rakesh, and other staff members as part of the continuing investigation.

Bajaj, identified as the property owner, was apprehended following a large-scale manhunt involving raids across the national capital. He was produced before a Delhi court on Thursday and remanded to four days of police custody. His lawyer, however, argued that the arrest was made solely on the basis of ownership, and also noted that the defence had not yet received a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) — to which Delhi Police said they would provide the copy.

Police, in seeking custody, stated that details of only two staff members had been furnished so far, and that investigators require information about hotel documents, records, and remaining personnel. Delhi Police also noted that the fire was so severe that forensic examination remains incomplete.

Government Response and Safety Measures

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is set to chair a high-level meeting to deliberate on measures aimed at preventing the recurrence of such fatal incidents and curbing unauthorised construction in the capital. The government has made its position unambiguous: no building owner, official, or any other person found culpable in the Malviya Nagar fire will be spared.

The Chief Minister stated that ensuring public safety requires a holistic approach covering compliance with safety standards, effective monitoring mechanisms, and an accountable enforcement framework — so that tragedies of this nature can be prevented and Delhi made safer for its residents.

What Comes Next

With Bajaj in police custody, investigators are expected to press for full disclosure of hotel staffing records and structural documentation. The parallel fake passport proceedings add legal complexity to Bajaj's situation. The search for absconding suspects Jai Mishra and manager Rakesh remains a priority, and the forensic report from the fire site is awaited before a complete picture of the tragedy can emerge.