Lucknow fire tragedy: Four building owners arrested, four officials suspended after animation centre blaze kills 15

Following a devastating blaze at an animation training centre in Lucknow's Aliganj locality, authorities arrested four building owners and suspended four government officials amid allegations of safety violations and administrative negligence.

The tragedy, which claimed 15 lives—mostly students—and left several others injured, has triggered widespread outrage and prompted the Uttar Pradesh government to order a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

Police said four individuals, identified as joint owners of the building, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have originated in the building's air-conditioning duct system.

They were arrested and suspended amid allegations of safety violations and administrative negligence contributing to the tragedy.

The absence of a proper emergency exit route significantly worsened the tragedy, making evacuation extremely difficult and contributing to the high death toll.

The Uttar Pradesh government ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe and suspended four officials based on preliminary findings.

Yes, this tragedy highlights the urgent need for all educational institutions to review and improve their fire safety measures to ensure the safety of students.

An FIR has been registered at Aliganj police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act against six named individuals and others.

Officials said investigators are examining allegations that the building had approval for residential use but was being used for commercial activities, including an animation centre, a pet facility and a clinic.

"We are investigating all allegations and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings," Aliganj ACP Shashi Prakash Mishra said.

The Uttar Pradesh government also suspended four officials following preliminary findings.

-Anil Kumar, Assistant Engineer, Lucknow Development Authority (LDA)

The action was taken on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze may have originated in the building's air-conditioning duct system.