Goel brothers, who owned Arpit Palace where a fire killed 17 people in February, forged documents to get licences to run the hotel and their "only and prior" concern was to "make profit" and "earn money", Delhi Police has told a court here.
In the 50-page charge sheet, the police has booked Rakesh Goel, his brother Sharad Indu Goel, hotel's general manager Rajender Kumar and manager Vikas Kumar for offences of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, forgery, cheating and criminal conspiracy.
Police has claimed that the Goel brother forged documents for obtaining Health Trade Licence (HTL) from Public Health Department of North Delhi Municipal Corporation, Fire Safety Certificate (NOC) from Delhi Fire Department, licence to run the guest house from Delhi Police Licensing Unit, Certificate for Pest Control, licence for running restaurant and other department licences.
The charge sheet filed recently said: "The owners of the Hotel Arpit Palace, had furnished false/ manipulated and submitted forged documents with different authorities to procure/get issued different licences to run the guest house and renewals thereafter. Accused gave false declaration to these licensing authorities mentioning that the height of Hotel Arpit Palace is within the specified limits i.e. below 15 meters and accordingly, the licenses were procured.
"In furtherance of procurement of these licences, after expiry of the validity period of these licences, forged Certificates & Affidavits were also submitted. It is obvious during investigation that license was obtained disclosing false and in correct facts. Role of various officials of different government departments is being investigated."
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