Lucknow fire: Building where 15 died had faced demolition order in 2016; SIT begins probe

The three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area where a fire claimed 15 lives had been issued a demolition order in 2016 over unauthorised construction, but the order was revoked less than two months later, according to a statement issued by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The disclosure came as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) began its probe into the tragedy on Tuesday morning.

The building, located in Sector D of the upscale Aliganj Scheme locality, was originally allotted on July 11, 1980, to Vijay Kumar, son of Rameshwar Sahay, under a hire-purchase scheme through a lottery system.

Following the execution of the agreement on November 4, 1980, possession of the property was handed over to the allottee.

Lucknow fire kills 15 at animation centre and pet clinic, UP govt orders probe

According to the statement issued late on Monday night, the property was registered in the names of Vijay Kumar and his wife, Usha, through a sale deed in 2005. The couple later sold the property to Virendra Pratap Shukla and Surendra Pratap Shukla on January 19, 2013.

The Lucknow Development Authority completed the mutation process in favour of Virendra and Surendra on August 7, 2014.

The building, spread across approximately 1,992 square feet, was granted approval for a residential-use building plan on August 20, 2014, under the self-certification building plan scheme.

However, authorities later found unauthorised construction on the premises. The Lucknow Development Authority subsequently registered a case against Virendra Pratap Shukla.

Following an investigation, a demolition order was issued against the unauthorised construction on May 10, 2016.

The order, however, was revoked on July 5, 2016, less than two months later. The statement said the reversal has raised questions about the circumstances under which the decision was withdrawn.

SIT Reaches Site, Begins Investigation

The two-member SIT constituted to probe the fire reached the site on Tuesday morning and began its investigation into the incident.

The SIT was formed on the directions of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and comprises Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism) Amrit Abhijat and Additional Director General of Police, Lucknow Zone, Praveen Kumar.

“We have come here and will investigate all aspects of the incident. We will complete the probe within the stipulated time and ensure necessary action,” Praveen Kumar told reporters at the site.

Before the SIT team arrived, a six-member team of forensic laboratory experts had reached the spot in the morning and started examining the scene.

The investigation is aimed at ascertaining the cause of the fire, possible lapses and responsibility in connection with the blaze that broke out in the three-storey commercial building on Usha Mehta Marg in Sector D of Lucknow’s Aliganj area on Monday.

Fire Killed 15, Injured Seven

The fire resulted in the deaths of 15 people, mostly below 30 years, and left seven others injured, following which the state government ordered a high-level probe.

Most of the victims were trapped on the second floor of the building on Usha Mehta Marg, where students were attending classes at an animation centre.

The source of the fire has not yet been ascertained.

Eyewitnesses said several people jumped from the building in an attempt to escape the blaze, which completely gutted the structure. The building also housed a pet clinic.

Fourteen fire tenders, including a hydraulic platform vehicle, were deployed to contain the fire, which was reported at around 3 pm.

The SIT investigation and forensic examination are expected to focus on the cause of the blaze, any safety lapses and the circumstances surrounding the building’s construction history, including the demolition order issued in 2016 and its subsequent revocation.