After a fire that claimed the lives of 21…a strict campaign against safety violations in India

The New Delhi government in India intends to launch a “strict campaign” against violations of fire safety standards, after a fire broke out in a hotel in the capital on Wednesday, killing 21, including 12 foreigners.
The fire broke out in a hotel in the Malviya Nagar area in New Delhi, and media reported that the hotel was frequented by patients receiving treatment in a nearby hospital and their relatives.
The fire caused the largest number of casualties in the city since 2022.
The police announced the filing of a criminal case and the arrest of the building owner.
The New Delhi Prime Minister’s Office said in a post on the “X” platform, late on Wednesday evening, that the government will launch a city-wide crackdown on all hospitality establishments and other buildings that do not adhere to fire safety standards and building regulations.
He added that buildings that do not meet standards will be closed, and those responsible will be prosecuted.
Media reports said that foreigners from Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique and Liberia died in the fire. Reuters was unable to independently verify this information.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said on the X platform that the ministry is in contact with the relevant embassies and is providing them with all necessary assistance.
In a previous statement, the police said: “Through the coordinated efforts of the police, fire services and other emergency response personnel, more than 40 people were rescued and transferred to nearby hospitals for treatment.”
She added: “With great sadness, the death of 21 people was announced in this tragic accident.”
A spokesman for the state-run Indian Institute of Medical Sciences told Reuters on Wednesday that the hospital received 13 injured people, two of whom were in critical condition.
A witness from Reuters said that the fire was extinguished around midday.
Residents who participated in the initial rescue operations stated that the fire broke out in the ground and first floors of the 4-storey building, leading to the detention of those on the upper floors.