Overview

• Mohammad Sagir Ali, the renovation supervisor at Rituraj Hotel, was arrested on May 5, becoming the fourth individual charged in connection with the April 29 fire.
• The fire, which originated on the first floor of the five-storey hotel, claimed 14–15 lives, with most victims succumbing to smoke inhalation due to poor ventilation and evacuation measures.
• Earlier arrests included the hotel owner Akash Chawla, manager Gaurav Kapur, and contractor Khurshid Alam, all charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
• Investigators found that inflammable materials like LPG cylinders, plywood, and adhesives stored on-site fueled the fire, and allegations have surfaced about unsafe practices such as open cooking by laborers during renovation work.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have announced compensation for the victims, while the government has launched citywide safety inspections and banned rooftop restaurants to prevent similar tragedies.