The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a series of actions following the devastating fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow’s Aliganj area that claimed the lives of 15 people, most of them students. The incident has prompted a high-level investigation, suspension of government officials and criminal proceedings against those allegedly responsible.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the families of the victims. In a social media post, President Murmu described the loss of lives in the horrific fire as deeply heartbreaking and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. The Vice President also conveyed his condolences and wished the injured a swift recovery.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the affected families. An ex-gratia amount of ₹2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased victim, while those injured in the incident will receive ₹50,000 each. The Prime Minister said rescue and relief operations were underway and authorities were extending all possible assistance to those affected.
In response to the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended four officials from the Lucknow Development Authority, Fire Department and Electricity Department following directions issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Authorities have also registered a criminal case against six named individuals and other persons found responsible for the incident.
Aliganj Police has lodged an FIR under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire Service Act. Four accused persons were arrested during the night as investigations gathered pace.
The state government has also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to examine the circumstances leading to the fire and identify any lapses. The SIT includes Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary of the Charitable Works, Tourism and Culture Department, and Praveen Kumar, Additional Director General of Police, Lucknow Zone. The panel has been directed to submit its report within seven days.
The fire broke out on Monday afternoon at an animation coaching centre operating above a shop in the Puraniya area of Aliganj. The blaze triggered panic among students and staff, many of whom became trapped inside the building. According to officials, most of the victims died due to suffocation caused by dense smoke.
Nine injured students have been admitted to King George’s Medical University in Lucknow, where they are undergoing treatment. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause of the fire while examining potential violations of safety regulations.
