New Delhi: Fresh details have emerged following the devastating fire in Lucknow’s Aliganj area that claimed 15 lives, revealing that the building had been issued a demolition order in 2016 over unauthorised construction. The order, however, was revoked less than two months later, bringing renewed scrutiny to the property’s regulatory history.
The three storey structure, located in Sector D of the Aliganj Scheme, was originally allotted through a lottery under a hire purchase scheme in 1980. Ownership changed hands multiple times over the years before the property was acquired by Virendra Pratap Shukla and Surendra Pratap Shukla in 2013. A residential building plan for the nearly 2,000 square foot property was approved in 2014.
Authorities later detected unauthorised construction on the premises and initiated proceedings against the owner. Following an investigation, a demolition order was issued in May 2016. However, the order was withdrawn in July the same year, a decision that is now under intense scrutiny following the fatal incident.
The fire broke out on Monday and rapidly engulfed the building, where an animation training centre was operating on the second floor. Most of the victims were students trapped inside as thick smoke and flames spread through the structure. Seven others were injured in the incident.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as occupants attempted to escape by jumping from windows, climbing down overhead wires and breaking glass panes to release smoke. Rescue personnel eventually reached trapped individuals by accessing the terrace of a neighbouring building and creating openings in the walls.
Preliminary investigations have uncovered serious safety violations. Although approved for residential use, the building had allegedly been functioning as a commercial establishment for years. Investigators found only one staircase serving as both entrance and exit, with no emergency escape route available. An automatic gate system reportedly worsened the situation during evacuation attempts.
Authorities suspect the fire originated in an air conditioning duct, while dense smoke spread quickly throughout the building. Four individuals linked to the property’s management have been arrested, and four government officials have been suspended as investigations continue into the tragedy.
