‘Facts concealed deliberately’: Delhi's Hauz Rani fire report lists string of lapses

Magisterial inquiry into the June 3 Hauz Rani fire that killed 23 people indicted multiple government agencies for failures on every level.

The 111-page report identified lapses by Delhi Police, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi government's tourism department, and BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL).

Police officials failed to enforce MCD's stop-work directions for Flourish Stay B&B, and the then SHO concealed a 2019 complaint and an FIR.

Tourism officials granted the B&B licence despite glaring violations including lack of proper ventilation, which contributed to deaths.

The report stated that opportunities to stop illegal construction and prevent the tragedy were missed due to deliberate concealment of facts and overlooked violations over several years.