New Delhi: Rakesh Goel, the owner of Hotel Arpit Palace, was arrested in connection with a massive fire which killed 17 people on its premises, police said on Sunday.

The Crime Branch made the arrest from the IGI Airport on Saturday after the Delhi Police received a tip off that Goel was travelling from Qatar by Indigo flight 6E 1702, they said. The immigration officials were alerted as a look out circular (LOC) was issued against him. It was learnt that he was in Doha to attend a wedding at the time of the fire accident.

On his arrival, he was detained and handed over to the Crime Branch. Goel was arrested after brief questioning, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Rajesh Deo said. He was produced in court on Sunday and the The court sent him to two days police custody, the DCP said.

The court also extended the police custody of the hotel's general manager and receptionist, who were arrested after the incident, by two days, Deo said.

Goel owns the hotel, while his brother Shardendu, is the licensee and is still absconding, he said. He will be arrested soon and won't be able to leave the country as LOC was also issued against him, the officer said. (PTI)

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