The owner of the Flourish Stay bed-and-breakfast establishment in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar, where a devastating fire claimed 21 lives, has allegedly admitted during police questioning that the building did not possess a mandatory Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), according to sources.Lavkesh Bajaj told investigators that the premises lacked the required fire clearance. During interrogation, Bajaj also reportedly sought to distance himself from the day-to-day operations of the property, claiming that he did not have the time to personally manage or supervise the establishment, they added.Sources said Bajaj informed investigators that the routine functioning of the bed-and-breakfast had been entrusted to another individual, who was responsible for handling billing, accounts and the overall management of the property.As part of the investigation, Delhi Police are verifying records from the electricity department and other agencies to examine compliance requirements and approvals related to the building. Investigators are also scrutinising records concerning structural modifications made to the property.Police are further examining ownership and control of multiple properties linked to the accused as part of a broader probe into the case.Officials are also looking into the possible involvement of other individuals associated with the establishment and whether key operational decisions were being taken by persons other than the owner.Bajaj is likely to be produced before a court, with Delhi Police expected to seek his custody for further interrogation.