Lucknow: In the aftermath of a deadly fire at an animation training centre in Aliganj, four joint owners of the building have been arrested and four government officials suspended amid charges of safety lapses and administrative negligence.
The blaze, which killed 15 people — predominantly students — and injured several others, has triggered public outrage and led the Uttar Pradesh government to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Police said four people, identified as joint owners of the property, were taken into custody in connection with the incident.
An FIR has been registered at Aliganj police station under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act against six named individuals and others.
Officials said investigators are probing allegations that the building, cleared for residential use, was being utilised for commercial purposes, including an animation centre, a pet-care facility and a clinic.
“We are investigating all allegations and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings,” Aliganj ACP Shashi Prakash Mishra said.
Four Officials Suspended
After preliminary findings, the state ordered the suspension of four officials.
An official statement named those suspended as: Gaurav Kumar, Executive Engineer, Electricity Department; Kamlendra Kumar Singh, Fire Safety Officer, Indira Nagar; Anil Kumar, Assistant Engineer, Lucknow Development Authority (LDA); and Pramod Kumar, Junior Engineer, LDA.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed the action.
Initial inquiries suggest the fire may have started within the building’s air-conditioning duct system.
Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister A. K. Sharma said thick smoke quickly filled the premises, causing suffocation among those trapped inside.
“The incident will be thoroughly investigated, including possible lapses in building standards, and strict action will be taken,” Sharma said.
Lack Of Emergency Exits
Officials and eyewitnesses said the absence of a proper emergency exit route significantly increased the death toll.
A police officer who participated in the rescue operation added that the lack of an alternate exit made evacuation extremely difficult.
Students Trapped
The fire broke out around 3 p.m. on Monday in a three-storey building on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj. c Most of those killed or injured were on the upper floors attending classes at the animation centre when heavy smoke filled the premises.
King George’s Medical University (KGMU) said it received 22 patients at its trauma centre after the blaze.
Fifteen were declared dead on arrival; the injured were treated, and hospital officials said most survivors are now stable, with a few still under observation.
A Special Investigation Team has been set up to probe the incident and must file its report within seven days.
