The owner of Hotel Arpit Palace in Karol Bagh, where 17 people died in a fire on February 12, has been arrested, the police said on Sunday.
The 63-year-old owner, Rakesh Goel, has been sent to two-day police custody during which he will be questioned about the building’s alleged violations, said DCP (Crime) Rajesh Deo.
The officer said the police received a tip-off that Mr. Goel was flying from Qatar to Delhi. The Immigration officials at the Delhi airport were alerted as a lookout circular (LOC) had already been issued for him.
He had gone to Qatar to attend a wedding, the police said. “The Immigration officials detained him and informed the police,” said Mr. Deo, adding that Mr. Goel was not in Delhi when the incident took place.
Mr. Goel’s younger brother, Shardendu Goel, is the licensee of the Karol Bagh hotel and is on the run.
“Shardendu will not be able to leave the country as a LOC in his name has been issued on February 13,” said Mr. Deo. The police said the court has granted two more days in custody for both — general manager and receptionist of the hotel. They were arrested soon after the incident. During questioning, the claims made by the trio (general manager, receptionist and Mr. Goel) will be verified to identify the criminal liability.