Lucknow fire tragedy: Four building owners arrested, four officials suspended after animation centre blaze kills 15

Lucknow Fire Tragedy: Four Building Owners Arrested, Four Officials Suspended After Animation Centre Blaze Kills 15

Authorities Take Action Following Deadly Fire

Theindiapostdaily.com – A catastrophic fire at an animation training center in Lucknow’s Aliganj locality has led to the arrest of four building owners and the suspension of four government officials. The incident, which resulted in 15 fatalities—primarily students—and injured several others, has sparked public anger and prompted the Uttar Pradesh government to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.

Arrests and Suspension of Officials

The police have arrested four individuals linked to the building’s ownership, according to reports. An FIR was filed at Aliganj police station under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act, naming six people and others involved. Officials are scrutinizing claims that the structure, approved for residential use, was repurposed for commercial activities like an animation center, pet facility, and clinic.

“We are investigating all allegations and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings,” stated Aliganj ACP Shashi Prakash Mishra.

Officials Suspended Amid Preliminary Findings

In response to initial reports, the Uttar Pradesh government suspended four officials, including Gaurav Kumar from the Electricity Department, Kamlendra Kumar Singh, the Fire Safety Officer in Indira Nagar, Anil Kumar of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA), and Pramod Kumar, a Junior Engineer at the LDA. The decision followed directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Preliminary Cause of Fire

Investigations suggest the blaze may have started in the building’s air-conditioning duct system. Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister A. K. Sharma highlighted how thick smoke quickly spread through the structure, leading to suffocation for those trapped inside.

“The incident will be thoroughly investigated, including possible lapses in building standards, and strict action will be taken,” Sharma remarked.

Emergency Exits and Rescue Challenges

Eyewitnesses and officials noted that the absence of a proper emergency exit route worsened the disaster. Local MLA Neeraj Bora claimed, “There was no fire exit route, and this was perhaps the reason why the scale of the tragedy was so big.”

“A police officer involved in the rescue operation also noted that the lack of an alternative exit made evacuation extremely difficult,” said a source.

Hydraulic platform operator Jhabbu Sahni echoed concerns, stating that more lives could have been saved if access through the roof was available.

Fire Breaks Out on Usha Mehta Marg

The fire erupted around 3 p.m. on Monday at a three-story building on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj. Most victims were in classes at the animation center on upper floors when smoke engulfed the premises. Eyewitnesses described chaos as students fled through windows, some descending cables while others jumped from higher levels.

Rescue Efforts and Casualty Updates

Rescue teams, including the Fire Department, NDRF, and SDRF, had to drill into adjacent structures to reach trapped individuals. King George’s Medical University (KGMU) reported that 22 people were hospitalized, with 15 declared dead upon arrival. Survivors are now in stable condition, though a few remain under care.

Government Compensation and Accountability Measures

The state government announced compensation of ₹5 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also pledged additional support from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized, “Accountability will be fixed. Responsibility will be determined regarding those accountable for this tragedy, and all necessary actions will be taken.”

SIT Probe to Uncover Full Story

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the site and later met with injured victims at the hospital. The SIT has been tasked with examining the circumstances of the fire and submitting a report within seven days.