Delhi government orders probe into hotel fire tragedy

New Delhi, Feb 12 (IANS) Minister for Home and Urban Development for the national capital Satyendar Jain on Tuesday ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragic blaze in a central Delhi hotel which devoured 17 lives, including that of a child.

The Minister, who was speaking to the media outside the hotel, said the building norms were violated by the hotel owner who had raised the hotel building to six floors against four floors allowed in the area.

"Fire in Karol Bagh hotel. 17 casualties, two injured. Magistrate enquiry ordered. Visible violations of building bye laws, building constructed six stories including one temporary floor instead of permissible four floors. Ordered fire inspection of buildings in the area," Jain tweeted.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also visited the spot where he remarked on the flouting of the building norms and said that an inquiry will be launched to find out whether the owner had a valid licence to run the hotel and the bar which it housed inside.

Due to the tragic incident, the Aam Aadmi Party cancelled a programme celebrating four years of its government in the state where popular singer Vishal Dadlani was to perform.

"Due to the tragic fire incident in Karol Bagh where several people have lost their lives, today's Vishal Dadlani's programme scheduled for this evening in Delhi stands cancelled. Our heartfelt condolences for the grieving families," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted.

Arpit Palace Hotel, where a fire broke out in the wee hours of the morning, comprises a basement, a ground floor and four other floors. At least 35 rooms were booked by members of one family, who were in the city for a special function.

Fire was reported on third and fourth floors but the blaze spiralled down as well. Only the basement and ground floors were not affected.

Three people jumped off from the blazing structure even as 25 fire tenders rushed to the spot after receiving a call at 4.30 a.m.