Lucknow Aliganj Fire Inside Story: The massive fire incident that took place in Aliganj, Lucknow on Monday has shocked the entire state. 15 people lost their lives in this accident, most of which were students. But now a new information has emerged that has raised many big questions. The building where the fire broke out was ordered to be demolished in 2016 on charges of illegal construction. The surprising thing is that after just two months the same order was withdrawn. In such a situation, the question is arising that what happened in these two months, then the system had to withdraw its decision?

10 year old file increased uneasiness

According to the information received so far, action was started in 2016 regarding this building located in Sector-D of Aliganj. After the investigation revealed alleged unauthorized construction, Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) started the process of taking action against the landlords. After completion of the investigation, an order to demolish the building was issued on 10 May 2016, but the decision was later changed.

Demolition order in May, clean chit in July

Government records show that the demolition order issued on 10 May 2016 was withdrawn on 5 July 2016. That is, within about two months the attitude of LDA completely changed. Till now it is not clear what happened that the construction which was first ordered to be demolished considering it illegal, the action on the same was later stopped. This is the reason why this file of 2016 has again come into discussion after the Lucknow fire incident.

After all, whose building was this?

• The history of this 1,992 square feet disputed land and building raises many questions.
• This plot was originally allotted to Vijay Kumar through lottery on 11 July 1980 in Sector-D of Aliganj Scheme. Got possession in November 1980.
• Registration was done through Deed of Sale in 2005. Sold to new owners in 2013.
• On August 20, 2014, Virendra Pratap Shukla and Surendra Shukla purchased this property from Vijay Kumar. LDA passed its map only for residential purposes.
• On May 10, 2016, commercial and illegal construction was carried out indiscriminately in the building. After receiving the complaint, investigation was done and LDA issued a strict order to demolish it.
• On July 5, 2016, within just 2 months (60 days), LDA reversed its own decision. The demolition order was withdrawn.

What happened on the day of the fire?

On the afternoon of Monday, June 22, a sudden fire broke out in a three-storey building located on Usha Mehta Marg, Aliganj. The fire spread so fast that many people were trapped inside. The most affected was the second floor, where students were present in the Animation Training Centre. According to eyewitnesses, some people even jumped from the building to save their lives. 14 fire brigade vehicles brought the fire under control after several hours of hard work, but by then 15 people had died.

Could this accident have been avoided?

This is the question that is in everyone's mind now. If the demolition order issued in 2016 had remained in force, the condition of the building had been strictly re-examined and the safety standards had been reviewed, perhaps such a big accident would not have happened. The answers to all these questions are still under investigation, but the old files have definitely given a new twist to the whole matter.

What will be the focus of SIT investigation?

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has constituted SIT to investigate the matter. The team has been instructed to submit the report within 7 days. The SIT will investigate allegations of illegal construction, demolition order of 2016 and its revocation, use of the building, adherence to fire safety standards, role of responsible officers. After this action will be taken. So far, the police have arrested four people after the accident. Apart from this, four officers have also been suspended on charges of negligence.