Lucknow fire tragedy: LDA issues demolition notice to building after 15 killed, officials face action
The Lucknow Development Authority has issued a demolition notice to a building in Aliganj after a fire killed 15 persons. A Special Investigation Team has begun probing the cause of the tragedy and possible safety violations
Lucknow fire tragedy: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has issued a demolition notice to a three-storey building in the city's Aliganj area following a devastating fire that claimed 15 lives and left several others injured.
Authorities said the building, which was originally approved for residential use, was allegedly being used for commercial activities in violation of regulations. An animation training centre was operating from the premises when the fire broke out on Monday afternoon.
According to officials, the LDA has also initiated action against its own officers for alleged negligence in handling the case. The development comes after records revealed that demolition orders had been issued against the same building in 2016 over illegal construction, but those orders were withdrawn less than two months later.
LDA Vice-Chairperson Prathamesh Kumar said fresh demolition proceedings have been started due to violations of building regulations. He added that officials found responsible for lapses in the matter would face strict action.
The fire claimed the lives of 15 persons, most of them students, while nine others sustained injuries. Emergency teams carried out rescue operations after the blaze engulfed parts of the building.
Following instructions from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to examine the incident. The team visited the site on Tuesday and began its inquiry.
The SIT comprises Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Amrit Abhijat and Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Lucknow Zone, Praveen Kumar. Officials said the investigation would examine all aspects of the incident, including the cause of the fire, compliance with safety norms, and any possible negligence.
Before the SIT's visit, a six-member team of forensic experts inspected the site and collected evidence. The findings of the forensic examination are expected to play a key role in determining how the fire started and whether safety violations contributed to the tragedy.
Authorities have assured that responsibility will be fixed after the investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those found accountable.