NEW DELHI: A Delhi court on Thursday sent Lavkesh Bajaj, owner and operator of Flourish Stays, a bed-and-breakfast facility in south Delhi’s Hauz Rani where at least 21 people died in a blaze a day earlier, to four-day police custody, noting that his custodial interrogation was necessary, given the serious allegations against him.Advocate Nitin Ahlawat, on behalf of Bajaj, argued that procedural compliance had not been made, rendering the arrest illegal, and that custodial interrogation remained unnecessary. (Hindustan Times)“Considering the serious allegations against the accused of committing an offence punishable with imprisonment for life, this court is of the view that the arrest of the accused is lawful and justified,” stated Judicial Magistrate First Class Bhanu Pratap Singh of Saket Courts.“Further, the police custody of the accused is also necessary to trace, locate and apprehend the persons whose role has surfaced during investigation, to recover the documents related to the operation of the property in question. Police custody is also necessary to recover electronic devices and digital evidence connected with the case,” the court added.In their remand plea, police stated, “Investigation has revealed that the incident occurred under circumstances indicating negligence and failure to ensure adequate safety measures for occupants of the premises. The incident resulted in the death of several persons and many others who were present in the building”.The plea said the material collected during the investigation prima facie indicated Bajaj’s involvement in the operation and management of the premises and disclosed the commission of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).Additional Public Prosecutor Gaurav Shrivastava said that information about workers and other employees engaged with Flourish Stay needed to be gathered from Bajaj, and the whereabouts of two other co-accused, accountant Jay Mishra and hotel manager Rakesh, needed to be recovered. The prosecutor said that electricity bills, booking details and financial records also need to be verified.Advocate Nitin Ahlawat, on behalf of Bajaj, argued that procedural compliance had not been made, rendering the arrest illegal, and that custodial interrogation remained unnecessary.The Delhi Police has registered a case under BNS sections pertaining to culpable homicide not amounting to murder, rash or negligent acts that endanger human life or personal safety, mischief by fire or explosive substances, among other relevant sections, at Malviya Nagar Police Station.