Lucknow, June 23: The investigation into the devastating fire at a coaching institute in Aliganj, Lucknow, formally commenced on Tuesday. Following directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a joint team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) inspected the site and began collecting evidence.
In light of the investigation, the entire building has been sealed off. Authorities are probing various aspects, including the causes of the fire, adherence to safety standards, and potential negligence. However, no official conclusions regarding the actual causes of the incident have been released yet. Earlier on Monday night, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a high-level meeting to review the situation, instructing the formation of the SIT to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
Meanwhile, a named FIR has been filed against six individuals at the Aliganj police station, with four of the accused already arrested. The SIT, formed under the Chief Minister’s orders, includes Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary of the Culture Department, and Praveen Kumar, ADG of the Lucknow Zone. The investigation team has been directed to submit its report to the government within seven days. Upon reaching the site, ADG Praveen Kumar stated that the SIT is thoroughly investigating all aspects of the incident.
He noted that the roles and responsibilities of various departments would be examined in detail, and a report based on the findings would be prepared for the government. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak expressed that the incident is extremely tragic and heart-wrenching. He confirmed that four individuals have been arrested, and action has been taken against relevant officials.
Pathak assured that strict action would be taken against those found guilty after the SIT report is released. He stated, “The government stands with the affected families. Necessary directives have been issued to relevant departments to prevent such incidents from recurring. Two individuals injured in the incident are currently receiving treatment and are out of danger.” On the other hand, Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh raised questions regarding the formation of the SIT. He remarked that while investigation committees are often established after major incidents, their outcomes frequently remain undisclosed.
Singh called for a fair investigation into issues such as fire management arrangements, alleged delays in rescue operations, and previous demolition notices issued to the institute. He questioned why effective action was not taken in a timely manner if safety deficiencies had been previously identified. Notably, the tragic fire at the coaching institute in Lucknow resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals. Following the incident, both the Defense Minister and the Chief Minister visited the site to speak with the affected families.
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