Lucknow gaming studio fire: After 15 deaths, LDA moves to demolish residential building-turned-commercial hub
LUCKNOW: Two days after a devastating fire in Aliganj killed 15 people, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) on Wednesday pasted a demolition notice on the building and asked the owner to respond within 15 days over alleged building bylaw violations and unauthorised commercial use.The three-storey structure, originally approved for residential use, was allegedly being used for commercial activities, including an animation and gaming institute, when the fire broke out on Monday.LDA Vice-Chairman Prathamesh Kumar said a notice was served on June 23 and a hearing has been fixed for July 7. He said the owner’s reply would be examined before a final decision is taken, adding that the building could be demolished if the explanation is found unsatisfactory.The authority has also formed seven teams to identify and act against unauthorised commercial activities and building bylaw violations across the city.Records show the building had faced action in 2016 after officials found construction beyond the sanctioned plan and commercial operations on the residential premises. A demolition order issued in May 2016 was withdrawn less than two months later after the owner argued he had not been given a chance to present his case.The circumstances under which the demolition order was revoked are now under scrutiny. LDA has launched an inquiry into the role of officials who handled the case and is examining why no further action was taken despite the continued commercial use of the building.Officials are also investigating whether lapses by LDA personnel and other departments allowed the establishment to keep operating. On Tuesday, the authority reissued the demolition notice and announced disciplinary proceedings against officials suspected of negligence.The fire gutted the commercial establishment operating from the building, leaving 15 dead and nine injured. Investigators are probing alleged violations of building regulations and fire-safety norms.Police have registered a case against the building owner and others linked to businesses operating on the premises. So far, four people — building owner Virendra Prasad Shukla, gaming institute director Tushank Krishna Jaiswal, IT professional Suresh Kumar Sahu and pet shop owner Ram Krishna Upadhyay — have been arrested.Investigators are examining issues related to the building’s operation, fire-safety measures, mandatory clearances and statutory permissions, while efforts continue to identify and apprehend any other persons found responsible for the tragedy.
