The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) on Thursday terminated the services of a health official who inspected the Hauz Rani Bed and Breakfast (B&B) just a day before a fire that claimed 23 lives, alleging that he conducted a “superficial” inspection, “deliberately” ignored discrepancies and recommended a license based on a “false and misleading” report.
In a parallel move, the civic body also transferred the Deputy Health Officer of the South Zone and posted him to the MCD headquarters for administrative reasons.
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The MCD office order dated June 11, seen by HT, stated that Assistant Public Health Inspector Prince Mann was engaged in this role and carried out duties in the district.
“I deliberately ignored inconsistencies in the patents.”
“On June 2, 2026, you claimed to have conducted a field inspection of the aforementioned premises, which was found to have been carried out in a routine and superficial manner. You deliberately ignored the obvious contradictions in the documents submitted and the factual situation on the ground regarding the practice of trade in serious violations… You duly recommended granting a license to the aforementioned premises on the basis of a false and misleading inspection report… Accordingly, the competent authority considers that your continuation of this action constitutes harm to the public interest.”
HT had earlier reported that Snacks and Bites – the restaurant operating from the ground floor of the Flourish Stay B&B where the fire is suspected to have started – had only received permission to operate a tea and snacks outlet but was operating as a full-fledged restaurant.
Read also | The Delhi B&B where the fire broke out was inspected twice before obtaining a licence, an MCD investigation has found
According to MCD officials who requested anonymity, the building was searched and disinfected a day before the tragedy occurred. A preliminary investigation by MCD also blamed the district inspector for delaying the health trade license application for 78 days after it was submitted in March 2026.
A tea and snacks license is usually reserved for small establishments selling pre-cooked items, with only limited provision for warming and sitting. On June 4, Delhi Police said they found four gas cylinders in the building.
Investigators previously stated that the bed and breakfast was allowed to operate only six rooms, but was occupying at least 25 rooms on four floors, basement and roof, with no fire escape.
On June 5, HT reported that owner Luvkesh Bajaj did not have a license to run a full-fledged restaurant, and only had a “tea and snack outlet” license that did not allow cooking or seating. Even this license expired on March 31 this year. Bajaj applied for the renewal on the day of the fire, hours after it was reported. The request was later denied.
In a second order, the deputy health official in the region, who supervises the southern region, was transferred. “Dr. Sanjay Sinha is hereby transferred from the post of Deputy Health Officer, South Zone and posted to the Public Health Department on administrative grounds with immediate effect,” the order said.
