A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has formally begun its probe into the devastating fire tragedy in Lucknow’s Aliganj area that claimed 15 lives and left several others injured. The investigation comes after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a time-bound inquiry to determine the cause of the blaze and identify any lapses that may have contributed to the disaster.
The fire broke out on Monday in a three-storey commercial building on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj, where students were attending classes at an animation training centre. Several victims were trapped inside as thick smoke rapidly spread through the structure. Eyewitnesses reported that some people jumped from the building in desperate attempts to escape the flames. Rescue teams later recovered the victims and evacuated the injured to nearby hospitals.
Seven-Day Deadline for Investigation
The two-member SIT comprises senior bureaucrat Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary of the Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs Department, and Praveen Kumar, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Lucknow Zone. The panel has been directed to submit its report within seven days and conduct a comprehensive inquiry into administrative, operational, and safety-related aspects of the incident.
Authorities are examining whether violations of building regulations, fire safety norms, or negligence played a role in the tragedy. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have originated in an air-conditioning duct, while inadequate emergency exits could have worsened the situation by trapping occupants inside the building.
Questions Over Building Compliance
Investigators are also scrutinizing the status of the building, which officials say was originally approved as a residential structure but had been functioning as a commercial establishment for several years. The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has reportedly placed multiple officials under scrutiny over possible regulatory lapses.
In a parallel development, police have arrested several individuals and initiated legal proceedings against those allegedly connected to the operation and management of the premises. The state government has suspended officials facing allegations of negligence and promised strict action against anyone found responsible.
Focus on Accountability
The tragedy has sparked widespread concern over fire safety standards in educational and commercial establishments across the state. With the SIT now beginning its work, families of the victims and the public are looking for answers regarding how such a catastrophic incident occurred and whether it could have been prevented. The findings of the investigation are expected to play a crucial role in determining accountability and shaping future safety measures.
