Delhi police have arrested the owner of a hotel where a devastating fire killed 21 people and injured dozens more in the Indian capital, authorities said Thursday.

Police identified the owner as Lovkesh Bajaj, who was taken into custody hours after the blaze tore through the five-storey Flourish Stay B&B in the densely populated Hauz Rani area of south Delhi.

Investigators had earlier issued a lookout circular against Bajaj and his wife and launched a search operation to locate them.

The fire broke out Wednesday at the hotel, which authorities allege was operating without a mandatory fire safety clearance, known as a No Objection Certificate (NOC). At least 21 people died in the incident, including 10 Indian nationals, nine African nationals and two citizens of Turkmenistan.

Officials said the blaze spread rapidly through the building, where safety violations may have hampered evacuation efforts. According to investigators, the structure had only one entry and exit point, permanently sealed windows and a sensor-operated main door.

At least 58 people were rescued and transported to nearby hospitals, where 21 were later declared dead.

Authorities allege the hotel was operating well beyond its approved capacity and in violation of multiple safety regulations.