Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow
Lucknow, Jun 23: The three-storey commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, where a devastating fire claimed 15 lives on Monday, had a history of ownership changes and had earlier faced demolition proceedings over alleged unauthorised construction, official records have revealed.
The fire broke out at the building located on Usha Mehta Marg, trapping students inside an animation training centre operating on the upper floors. Several people were injured while 15 persons lost their lives in the tragedy.
According to records, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) had initiated legal action against the building in 2016 over alleged unauthorised construction and had even issued a demolition order, which was later withdrawn.
Demolition order issued, later cancelled
The building, identified as Building No. MS/102/D in Sector D of the Aliganj scheme, stands on a 1,992-square-foot plot. A residential building plan for the property was approved by the LDA on August 20, 2014.
However, in 2016, the authority registered a case alleging violations in construction. After hearings, the designated authority passed a demolition order on May 10, 2016.
The owners challenged the order, stating that they were not given a proper opportunity for a hearing and claiming that the construction was carried out as per the approved plan. Following their objections, the demolition order was cancelled on July 5, 2016.
Property changed hands multiple times
Records show that the property was originally allotted through a lottery in 1980. In 2005, it was transferred through a sale deed to Vijay Kumar and Usha.
In 2013, the property was sold to Virendra Pratap Shukla and Surendra Pratap Shukla. The LDA later mutated the property in the names of the new owners on August 7, 2014.
Investigators are now examining whether violations of building norms and fire safety regulations contributed to the severity of the tragedy.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have started from an air-conditioning duct, following which thick smoke spread rapidly through the building. Officials suspect that the absence of an adequate emergency exit route may have prevented people trapped on the upper floors from escaping.
Urban Development and Energy Minister A K Sharma said that every aspect of the incident, including possible lapses in building standards and safety measures, would be investigated and strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
The fire erupted around 3 pm on Monday in the building, which housed an animation training centre on the upper floors and a pet shop and clinic on the lower levels.
A major rescue operation was carried out with the help of 19 fire tenders, NDRF, SDRF and civil defence teams. Rescue personnel had to create openings through adjoining structures to reach those trapped inside.