15 dead in Lucknow fire, records show building demolition order withdrawn in 2016: Here’s why? | Today’s news
The three-storey commercial building, where a tragic fire claimed 15 lives, was issued a demolition order in 2016 due to unauthorized construction. However, the order was revoked less than two months later, the UP government said in a statement late on Monday evening.
The building, located in Sector D in the upscale locality of Aliganj Scheme, was originally allotted on July 11, 1980 to Vijay Kumar, son of Rameshwar Sahay, under the installment purchase scheme through a lottery system.
Read also | Lucknow animation training center fire: Four arrested, 4 officials suspended
After the conclusion of the contract on November 4, 1980, the property was transferred to the allottee.
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Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire may have originated in the building’s ventilation duct system, with the incident occurring in the animation center where many students were present.
A demolition order was issued for the three-storey building in 2016 due to unauthorized construction, although this order was revoked less than two months later.
A tragic fire in Lucknow claimed the lives of 15 people, mainly students, and other injuries were reported among others.
Four building owners were arrested and four government officials were suspended over allegations of safety violations and administrative negligence in connection with the fire.
Buildings with residential permits, like the one in Lucknow, should not run commercial activities as this can lead to security risks and potential legal implications.
In 2005, the property was registered in the names of Vijay Kumar and his wife Usha through a sale deed. Subsequently, on 19 January 2013, they sold the property to Virendra Pratap Shukla and Surendra Pratap Shukla.
On 7 August 2014, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) completed the mutation process in favor of Virendra and Surendra.
Residential building plan in 2014
The building, which covers approximately 1,992 square feet, received building plan approval for residential premises on 20 August 2014 under the building self-certification scheme.
Later, however, an unauthorized construction was found in the area. The LDA subsequently registered a case against Virendra Pratap Shukla. Following an investigation, a demolition order was issued for the unauthorized building on 10 May 2016.
However, two months after the demolition order was issued, it was revoked on July 5, 2016, raising questions about the circumstances under which the decision was overturned, the statement said.
The tragic fire left at least 15 dead, including students, and seven injured, officials said.
Read also | Lucknow coaching center fire kills 15; Deputy CM says some children jumped
Most of the victims were trapped on the second floor of the building, located on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj in north Lucknow, where students were attending classes at the animation centre. The source of the fire has not yet been determined.
Eyewitnesses said several people jumped out of the building, which was completely destroyed by fire. The building also housed a pet clinic.
The circumstances under which the demolition order was lifted raise serious questions about safety enforcement.
So far, the police have filed charges against six people in connection with the fire, and four have been arrested. The four officials have been suspended as the investigation continues.
