Lucknow Fire Building's 2016 Demolition Order Over Illegal Construction Was Revoked Within Two Months | Top Points

Last Updated:June 23, 2026, 04:50 IST

The LDA found unauthorised construction on the premises, after which the competent authority issued a demolition order on May 10, 2016.

The three-storey building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, where a devastating fire claimed 15 lives on Monday, had been issued a demolition order in 2016 over unauthorised construction. However, the order was revoked less than two months later, according to a statement issued by the Uttar Pradesh government.

Three-Storey Building Allotted Through Lottery

The three-storey building, located in Sector D of the Aliganj Scheme, was originally allotted to Vijay Kumar, son of Rameshwar Sahay, on July 11, 1980, under a hire-purchase scheme through a lottery. Possession of the property was handed over after the execution of the agreement on November 4, 1980.

Also Read: No Emergency Exit, Single Staircase: How Safety Lapses Turned Lucknow Coaching Hub Into A Death Trap

In 2005, the property was registered in the names of Vijay Kumar and his wife, Usha, through a sale deed. They later sold it to Virendra Pratap Shukla and Surendra Pratap Shukla on January 19, 2013. The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) completed the mutation in favour of the new owners on August 7, 2014.

The approximately 1,992-square-foot building received approval for a residential-use building plan on August 20, 2014, under the self-certification building plan scheme.

Demolition Order Issued, Later Revoked

According to the government statement, the LDA later found unauthorised construction on the premises and registered a case against Virendra Pratap Shukla. Following an investigation, the competent authority issued a demolition order on May 10, 2016.

However, the demolition order was revoked on July 5, 2016, less than two months later, raising questions about the circumstances under which the decision was reversed.

15 Killed After Massive Fire Engulfs Building

At least 15 people, including students, lost their lives, and seven others sustained injuries after the massive fire ripped through the building in Lucknow on Monday, officials said.

Also Read: Approved As Residential, Illegally Used As Commercial Space: What Led To Lucknow Fire That Killed 15

The blaze engulfed the building on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj, where an animation training centre was operating on the second floor. A majority of the victims were trapped on the second floor as the fire spread.

Eyewitnesses said some occupants leapt from the building in a desperate attempt to escape the flames, which completely gutted the structure. The building also housed a pet clinic.

Some people climbed down using overhead wires in a desperate bid to escape the flames, while others smashed the building’s glass windows in an attempt to let the dense smoke escape and create openings for those trapped inside to evacuate.

Rescue teams later reached those trapped by accessing the terrace of a neighbouring building and drilling two large openings through the wall of the affected structure, allowing them to evacuate victims even as the fire continued to rage.

Major Security Lapses Emerge After Deadly Fire

Preliminary findings revealed that the building had been approved for residential use but had allegedly been operating as a commercial establishment since 2014 in violation of regulations.

The building had been issued a demolition order over unauthorised construction in 2016. However, the order was revoked in less than two months.

Also Read: Fire In AC Duct Likely Triggered Blaze That Killed 15 In Lucknow Building: Minister

Authorities have found that the structure reportedly had only one staircase that served both as the entry and exit route.

There was no dedicated emergency exit, no alternative evacuation route and, according to investigators, an automatic gate system further complicated escape efforts when panic-stricken students rushed towards the lone exit.

Four Accused Arrested, Four Officials Suspended

The property is operated by the Rameshwaram Group. Three individuals associated with the group – Virendra Shukla, Dhirendra Shukla and Surendra Pratap Shukla – were arrested on Monday. The fourth accused, Suresh Kumar Sahu, was also arrested.

The officials who have been suspended include: Gaurav Kumar, Executive Engineer (Collection), Jankipuram; Kamlendra Kumar Singh, Food Safety and Standards Officer (FSSO), Indira Nagar; Anil Kumar, Assistant Engineer (AE); and Pramod Pandey, Junior Engineer (JE).

Fire In AC Duct Likely Triggered Blaze

The deadly fire is suspected to have originated in the building’s air-conditioning (AC) duct, Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister A. K. Sharma said, citing preliminary findings, according to PTI.

Sharma said the blaze is believed to have started in the AC duct, while thick smoke rapidly spread through the building. He added that the absence of a proper emergency exit likely led to widespread suffocation, trapping many of those inside.

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Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st...Read More

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