Lookout circular issued for hotel owner, wife after 21 die in Delhi fire

Authorities have issued a lookout circular (LOC) against the owner of a hotel building in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar and his wife in connection with the devastating fire that claimed 21 lives earlier this week, officials said on Wednesday.

The move comes as investigators intensify their probe into the blaze that engulfed the Lemon Green Restaurant-cum-hotel premises in the Hauz Rani area, raising questions over possible lapses in fire safety compliance and building regulations.

Delhi Police said rescue and evacuation operations were launched immediately after local police personnel reached the site. More than 40 people were rescued from the building and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. Firefighters also rescued three people trapped in the basement and transported them to hospitals through CATS ambulances.

"The fire has been successfully extinguished with the assistance of eight fire tenders. Through the coordinated efforts of police, fire services and other emergency responders, more than 40 persons have been rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment," DCP (South) Anant Mittal had said.

Authorities said search and rescue operations continued for several hours after the blaze was brought under control.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also condoled the deaths and said the state government was extending all necessary assistance to the affected families. Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu described the incident as tragic and directed officials to ensure immediate relief and conduct a thorough investigation.