A day after a devastating fire claimed 15 lives in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, authorities have sealed the affected building, registered a First Information Report (FIR), and launched multiple investigations to determine the cause of the tragedy and identify any lapses in safety compliance.
The victims were primarily students and young professionals linked to an animation training institute and a gaming facility operating inside the three-storey commercial structure located in Purania Sector-D.
The fire broke out on Monday afternoon, triggering panic among occupants. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos as people attempted to escape the rapidly spreading flames. Several individuals were seen climbing down electrical cables and jumping from upper floors while emergency teams worked to rescue those trapped inside.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu expressed condolences to the families of the victims. The Prime Minister also announced an ex gratia payment of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for those injured.
Key Findings Emerging From the Investigation
Building Had No Fire NOC
Officials revealed that the building was constructed on land originally approved for residential use and did not possess a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC). According to fire department officials, buildings below a certain height threshold are not automatically required to obtain such clearance unless they apply for it.
Authorities stated that the building operators had never approached the fire department for a fire safety NOC.
Premises Sealed
Lucknow Police have sealed the building and restricted public access. Forensic experts and fire department teams are expected to collect evidence from the site as part of the ongoing investigation.
FIR Registered, SIT Formed
Police have registered an FIR under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire Service Act.
The Uttar Pradesh government has also constituted a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine the circumstances leading to the disaster, assess compliance failures, and recommend accountability.
Biometric Lock Under Scrutiny
One of the major concerns emerging from the probe is the alleged presence of a biometric access system at the building entrance. Reports suggest that this may have delayed evacuation efforts and complicated rescue operations when the fire spread through the premises.
Investigators are examining whether the locking mechanism contributed to the high casualty count.
Questions Over Unauthorized Commercial Use
The incident has also spotlighted alleged monitoring failures by local development authorities. Records indicate that the property was approved only for residential use, yet commercial activities had reportedly been operating there for years.
Officials are investigating how the building continued functioning as a commercial establishment despite previous concerns regarding unauthorized construction.
Demolition Order Controversy Resurfaces
Documents show that a demolition order had been issued against unauthorized construction on the property in 2016. However, the order was reportedly reversed within months, raising fresh questions about the decision-making process and whether regulatory lapses contributed to the current tragedy.
Investigators are expected to review past approvals, inspections, and enforcement actions linked to the building.
Cause of Fire Yet to Be Confirmed
While preliminary assessments suggest the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit involving an LED display installed in the basement, other officials have indicated that an air-conditioning duct could have been the source of ignition.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause, and findings from forensic and technical examinations are awaited.
