Four people have been arrested and an FIR filed after the Lucknow fire tragedy that killed 15 people. Investigators have cited alleged fire safety lapses as authorities continue the probe.
Firefighters and rescue personnel conduct operations at a commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area after a devastating fire claimed multiple lives on June 22, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
At least four people have been arrested and an FIR has been registered in connection with the devastating fire that swept through a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, killing at least 18 people and leaving others injured.
The investigation has gathered pace with police sealing the building, restricting public access and deploying forensic and fire department teams to collect evidence. Authorities have also identified 15 victims and informed their families as the probe focuses on alleged safety violations at the premises.
Advertisement
Speaking on Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna said those responsible for the tragedy would face strict action irrespective of their position.
Advertisement
“This is a deeply distressing incident. We stand with the bereaved families. Our sympathies are with them, and we pray to God to grant them the strength to bear this sorrow,” he said.
Khanna said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had already directed officials to investigate the incident.
“Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, regardless of their position. The Chief Minister has already issued directives to take action against those responsible. An FIR will be lodged, an investigation will be conducted, and action will follow… All fifteen victims lost their lives solely because of the smoke,” he said.
Police have registered a case at Aliganj Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire Service Act against six named accused and other responsible individuals.
Authorities said Ramkrishna Upadhyay, Virendra Shukla and Tushank Krishna Jaiswal were initially arrested in connection with the case. Later, police confirmed that a fourth accused, Suresh Kumar Sahu, who operated a studio in the building, had also been taken into custody.
Heavy police deployment remained in place around the building through the night as investigators secured the site.
Officials said 15 victims have so far been identified. Most of those who died were reportedly between 20 and 24 years old.
The deceased have been identified as Suraj Singh, Md Ammar, Jwanil Chakraborty, Sagar Pant, Shahjan, Sukhmani Singh, Aditya Srivastava, Jyoti, Abdul Rahman, Anamika Samant, Nilesh, Sayyam, Bhavishya, and Teejraj, all residents of Lucknow, and Somalya from South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.
Authorities said the families of the victims have been informed.
Two injured persons, identified as Lavpreet and Jayant, are undergoing treatment at King George’s Medical University.
According to the FIR, the three-storey building near Purania Chauraha housed a pet shop and clinic on the lower floors, a video gaming zone and 3D animation centre on the second floor, and an IT networking office on the third floor.
Investigators said the fire started in the pet shop and clinic and quickly filled the structure with dense smoke. Animals trapped inside the pet shop also died in the blaze.
The FIR alleges the building lacked basic fire safety arrangements and emergency evacuation facilities. Investigators noted there was only a single entry and exit point, no smoke ventilation system and electrical installations that were allegedly maintained in an unsafe manner.
Police have alleged that the owners and managers ignored safety requirements despite being aware of the risks posed to occupants.
In a parallel development, the Kanpur Development Authority said it had initiated action against coaching institutes and commercial establishments.
According to the authority, sealing operations were conducted on June 22 against three establishments in Zone-1A, five in Zone-2B, three in Zone-3 and five in Zone-4.
Officials said another 22 establishments have been identified in the first phase of the drive and that identification, sealing and related action would continue.
Advertisement
