Who is Responsible…?

A massive fire broke out in a building in Purania, Aliganj, Lucknow on Monday afternoon, resulting in the tragic death of 15 people, mostly aged 20-24 years. Nine others were injured.

The building housed a pet shop, clinic, coaching centre ‘Learning Space’, and ‘Head Hopper Studio’ for 3D art and gaming. Eyewitnesses said smoke spread rapidly, trapping students who took shelter in bathrooms.

No emergency exits or alternate routes were available. The building was approved as residential but used for commercial purposes. Fire NOC was reportedly not obtained.

CM Yogi Adityanath took serious note of the incident and ordered a high-level probe. A two-member SIT has been formed to submit a report within seven days. The building owner Virendra Shukla, studio owner Tushant Jaiswal, and manager Ramkrishna Upadhyay have been arrested. Four officials have been suspended.

The Prime Minister’s Office announced ₹2 lakh compensation for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.