New Delhi, 5 June

Delhi Police have formed multiple teams to trace Jay Mishra, who is absconding in connection with the devastating fire at a hotel in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar that claimed 21 lives, an official said on Friday.

Investigators have intensified efforts to find Mishra, who is believed to have played a key role in the hotel's operations and management, where the blaze broke out on Wednesday morning.

Police sources said that several teams have been deployed to various locations in Delhi and neighbouring states to track him down.

"Technical surveillance and other investigative methods are also being used to determine his whereabouts," the officer said.

As part of the ongoing probe, police are also searching for hotel employees and other workers who were present at or associated with the establishment.

Investigators aim to record their statements to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the fire and gather information about the hotel's operations, he said.

The probe is focusing on several aspects, including compliance with safety regulations, the building's layout, emergency exit arrangements, and the circumstances that led to guests becoming trapped inside the premises.

Police have already questioned several individuals linked to the hotel and examined documents related to the property. Statements of survivors and eyewitnesses are also being recorded.

The massive blaze ripped through the hotel located in a congested lane of Malviya Nagar, killing 21 people and leaving many others injured. Further investigation is underway, police said.