A day after a devastating fire claimed 15 lives in Lucknow's Aliganj area, investigators are uncovering a long chain of alleged violations that may have turned an ordinary building into a death trap.
What initially appeared to be a tragic accident has now exposed years of regulatory lapses, unauthorised commercial activity and overlooked safety concerns that authorities say had existed long before the fire broke out.
The three-storey building, located on Usha Mehta Marg, housed multiple businesses, including a coaching centre, pet shop, veterinary clinic, gaming zone, animation centre and IT office.
A residential building that continued operating commercially
According to the Hindustan Times, the property was originally approved as a residential structure under a self-certification scheme in 2014.
Authorities later discovered unauthorised construction and initiated demolition proceedings in 2016. A demolition order was issued in May that year but was revoked just two months later, allowing the building to continue operating.
Following Sunday's tragedy, the Lucknow Development Authority has once again issued a demolition notice and launched an inquiry into officials whose alleged inaction may have contributed to the situation.
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There was no emergency staircase, no secondary escape route and no alternative evacuation system for people trapped inside. (ANI) A single exit left people trapped inside
Hindustan Times mentioned that one of the most alarming findings in the investigation is that the building reportedly had only one entry and exit point.
There was no emergency staircase, no secondary escape route and no alternative evacuation system for people trapped inside when the fire spread.
As thick smoke engulfed the structure, many occupants were forced to jump from the building in desperate attempts to survive. Rescue teams later had to break through walls and access the property through neighbouring buildings to reach those trapped inside.
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Fire safety loopholes and unsafe electrical systems under scrutiny
Hindustan Times noted that the authorities have also highlighted a regulatory loophole that exempted the building from obtaining a mandatory fire No Objection Certificate.
Because the structure was below 15 metres in height, it was not required to undergo certain fire safety inspections.
Officials now acknowledge that this exemption may have allowed critical risks to remain unnoticed.
The FIR further alleges that basic fire safety infrastructure was absent. There were no proper evacuation mechanisms, smoke extraction systems or emergency arrangements that could have slowed the spread of the blaze.
Investigators are also examining unsafe electrical installations inside the building. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have originated from an air-conditioning duct, while irregular electrical fittings and poorly installed outdoor AC units are also under scrutiny.
Police have arrested four people, including the building owner and operators of businesses functioning inside the premises.
Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a two-member Special Investigation Team, which has been asked to submit its findings within seven days.
