A blaze ignited in the kitchen of the four‑storey Maujpur restaurant at 10:34 p.m. on Tuesday, climbing the building before the staff could contain it.
The crash from the first‑floor window sent a toddler tumbling onto a pile of mattresses laid by frantic patrons; more than ten other patrons leapt from windows or the roof, landing on the street below.
Firefighters arrived within minutes and, according to the department report, the restaurant staff managed to smother the blaze before it spread to the upper floors, preventing a larger conflagration.
Police have opened an investigation into the incident, citing possible violations of fire‑safety regulations, and are reviewing the building’s compliance certificates.
Shahdara North Zone Chairperson Pankaj Luthra has ordered an immediate inspection of all restaurants in the area, threatening legal action against any that fail to meet prescribed safety standards.
One resident, Mr. Singh, recalled the frantic cry of the toddler and the relief of seeing the child unharmed, underscoring the community’s fear of such disasters.