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In the aftermath of a devastating fire at a coaching center in the Aliganj area of Lucknow, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has mandated the demolition of the building. The property owners have been instructed to take down the structure themselves; failure to comply will result in the LDA carrying out the demolition. This decision comes just a day after the tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 15 individuals and left several others injured. The event has sparked public outrage over alleged safety violations and illegal construction practices.

 

Read More: 'Please Save Me, Dad': Students Trapped in Lucknow Fire Made Desperate Calls for Help

According to officials, the building was initially approved on August 20, 2014, under a residential layout plan, allowing for a construction area of 1,992 square feet. However, subsequent inspections revealed discrepancies in the structure. In 2016, a case was filed for unauthorized construction, leading to an order for demolition on May 10 of that year. This order was later revoked on July 5, 2016, after the owners argued they were not given a fair chance to present their case and claimed the construction adhered to the approved plans. Following the recent fire, a new investigation has prompted the LDA to initiate demolition proceedings once again.

The fire broke out on Monday in a commercial building housing the coaching center. As flames and thick smoke rapidly engulfed the premises, many students found themselves trapped inside. Reports indicate that several students attempted to escape by jumping from the building. Most of the deceased were aged between 20 and 28, and it is believed that they succumbed to smoke inhalation. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding safety standards in commercial buildings and coaching centers.

 

Read More: Lucknow Coaching Fire: 12 People Trapped, CM Yogi Issues Strict Directives, Rescue Operation Ongoing

In response to this tragic event, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a high-level investigation and established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising two members. The panel will be led by Additional Chief Secretary Amrit Abhijat, with Lucknow Zone ADG Praveen Kumar also on board. The SIT has been tasked with submitting its investigation report within seven days. The police have filed FIRs against four named suspects and others responsible under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire Service Act. So far, three individuals—Ramkrishna Upadhyay, Virendra Prasad Shukla, and Tushok Krishna Jaiswal—have been arrested in connection with the case.

 

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