Delhi fire tragedy: Licence renewal application was filed even as blaze raged, probe finds

A fresh revelation has emerged in the investigation into the Malviya Nagar fire tragedy in Delhi, with authorities finding that an application for renewal of the establishment's trade licence was submitted while the deadly blaze was still raging.

The fire, which broke out on June 3, claimed 21 lives and left several others injured. The incident occurred at a building in the Hauz Rani area of Malviya Nagar and has triggered multiple investigations into alleged violations of licensing and fire safety norms.

According to investigators, records show that a plea seeking renewal of the trade licence was filed on the same day as the fire. The development has become a key focus of the ongoing probe as authorities examine whether the establishment was operating in compliance with municipal and safety regulations at the time of the incident.

The investigation has also turned its attention to the permissions under which the premises was functioning. Reports indicate that questions have been raised over whether the establishment was operating beyond the scope of the licence originally granted to it. Authorities are examining documents related to licensing, occupancy permissions and fire safety clearances.

Delhi Police on June 4 continued its examination of the fire-ravaged premises, questioning staff members, local residents and other individuals connected to the establishment in an effort to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the disaster.

The blaze broke out on Wednesday morning and quickly engulfed parts of the building, trapping occupants inside. More than 40 people were rescued and taken to hospitals, while 21 people lost their lives. Several of the victims were reported to be foreign nationals.

Investigators are also examining whether lapses in regulatory oversight contributed to the scale of the tragedy. Officials are scrutinising records maintained by civic authorities and assessing whether mandatory safety requirements had been met.

The cause of the fire has not yet been officially established. Forensic teams and fire department officials are continuing their investigation, while authorities seek to determine whether negligence or violations of safety norms played a role in the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and announced ex gratia assistance for the deceased and the injured.