Initial police findings into the fatal blaze at a Malviya Nagar hotel in Delhi point to a short circuit as the probable cause. Investigators have excluded an LPG cylinder explosion after checking the two kitchens, one in the basement and one on the top floor, where cylinders were stored. No signs of any blast were found.
Officials noted that the fire’s spread and intensity align with an electrical fault in the building’s concealed wiring, which can allow flames to move quickly through multiple areas. A forensic team has visited the site, gathered samples, and is analyzing the electrical systems along with other possible ignition points. The forensic report is expected to clarify the exact sequence of events and any safety shortcomings.
The probe will also review the hotel’s fire safety arrangements, electrical setup, and adherence to building rules. Of the 21 people who died, six were foreign nationals and nine were Indian citizens, while identification of the remaining six continues.
Following the incident, the Delhi government has set up a joint committee to examine possible safety violations and inspect similar properties across the city. Teams from the district administration, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Police, and Power Department will start checks from Thursday, focusing on fire norms, building codes, and electrical standards. Nearly 702 properties operate under the Bed and Breakfast scheme, and officials will verify compliance during the drive, which may result in sealing actions for serious breaches.
