At least 15 people have died in the fire that broke out in a two-storey building in Lucknow. The investigation has revealed that the building where the blaze occurred was allegedly illegal. Authorities said a demolition order had been issued against the structure in 2016, but the order was later revoked.
On Wednesday, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) pasted a notice on the building. LDA Vice-Chairman Prathamesh Kumar said the owner has been asked to respond within 15 days. He added that the building will be demolished.
The property belongs to Virendra Shukla, owner of Rameshwaram Institute of Technology and Management. Police have registered a case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and arrested four accused, including Virendra Shukla. Six LDA officials have been suspended, while notices have been sent to the state government against 18 officials.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, an SIT and a forensic team reached the site to investigate the tragedy. The SIT, comprising IAS officer Amrit Abhijat and IPS officer Praveen Kumar, inspected the building and collected evidence in bags from the spot.
Following the incident, police and administrative authorities have launched statewide inspections of coaching centres and hotels. So far, 48 coaching institutes and three hotels have been sealed for failing to meet fire safety requirements.
What was operating inside the building?
The building is located in Lucknow’s Aliganj area. The basement, ground floor and first floor housed a pet shop and clinic. The second floor contained a facility called “Learning Space”, used as a library and coaching centre, along with Head Hopper Studio, which works in 3D art production and game asset outsourcing.
Photos Related to the Incident
LDA pasted a notice on the building on Wednesday.
Following the fire, a youth named Jayant jumped from the first floor to save his life.
Five people climbed down using wires to escape the blaze.
Aditya Srivastava of Sitapur, who died in the incident, was laid to rest after his body reached home. His sister Nishtha broke down beside the body.
The mother of victim Anamika fainted outside the postmortem house while mourning her daughter.
Authorities across the state are inspecting hotels and coaching centres to verify compliance with safety norms.
