Following a fire in an illegally operating Lucknow building that killed 15 people, the Uttar Pradesh government launched a statewide crackdown on coaching institutes. Twelve centres were sealed for safety and building violations, over 100 are under scrutiny, and officials face action. Authorities have banned coaching centres and nursing homes from operating in basements.

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh authorities intensified their crackdown on coaching institutes on Wednesday, sealing several prominent coaching centres and libraries across Lucknow days after a fire in an illegally operating building claimed 15 lives.

Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who said no coaching centre or nursing home would be allowed to operate from a basement, joint teams of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) and Fire Department conducted inspections across the city. The drive is part of a statewide campaign launched after the deadly fire exposed widespread violations of safety and building regulations.

Twelve coaching institutes and libraries were sealed during the operation. Among those shut down were branches of Allen in Krishna Nagar and Hazratganj, Gravity in Kapoorthala, and major competitive examination coaching institutes Government Exam Wala and Paramount. Officials said the institutions were found violating fire safety norms, building regulations or operational guidelines.

The crackdown triggered panic among coaching operators. Several institute owners reportedly shut their centres and left before inspection teams arrived. Hundreds of students were seen wandering outside closed coaching centres and libraries, uncertain about the status of their classes.