“Responsibility Will Be Fixed”: Rajnath Singh Assures Strict Action Over Lucknow Fire Tragedy

Lucknow : The devastating fire tragedy in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, which claimed 15 lives and left several others injured, has triggered swift political and administrative action, with top leaders visiting the site and the Uttar Pradesh government initiating a high-level investigation. As questions mount over possible safety lapses and accountability, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured that those responsible for the incident will face consequences, while the state government has already moved ahead with strict action and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT).

After arriving in Lucknow, Rajnath Singh headed straight to the accident site, where he was briefed about the situation by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak.

Speaking to reporters, Singh stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured that the entire incident will be investigated, adding that responsibility will be determined regarding those accountable for this tragedy, and all necessary actions will be taken.

Calling the incident “very unfortunate,” Rajnath Singh expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragedy.

He later visited King George’s Medical University to check on the condition of the injured victims. There, he reviewed the treatment being provided and directed doctors to ensure that all patients receive the best possible medical care, according to a statement issued by the Lucknow city unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Upon reaching Lucknow, Rajnath Singh also spoke with Yogi Adityanath over the phone to gather complete details about the incident.

“Briefing the defence minister on the entire sequence of events, Chief Minister Adityanath said that strict action is being taken against the guilty. An SIT has been constituted to investigate the incident. The team is to submit its report to the government within seven days,” the Lucknow city unit of the BJP said in a statement.

The Chief Minister further informed that the Uttar Pradesh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who died in the incident, while Rs 50,000 has been sanctioned for those seriously injured. Instructions have also been issued to officials concerned to ensure proper medical treatment and extend every possible support to the injured, according to the statement.

Earlier, in a post on X, Rajnath Singh had said, “The incident involving a fire at a coaching centre in the Aliganj area of Lucknow is deeply distressing. My heartfelt condolences go out to all the bereaved families during this difficult time. I also wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. The administration is promptly engaged in relief and rescue operations, and all possible assistance is being provided to the victims. I am leaving for Lucknow immediately.”

The fire broke out on Monday afternoon in a three-storey commercial building located in a prominent area of Aliganj, resulting in the death of 15 people, including students, while seven others sustained injuries, according to officials.

Most victims were trapped on the second floor of the building situated on Usha Mehta Marg, where students were attending classes at an animation centre when the fire erupted.

Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have originated in the building’s AC duct system. Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister A. K. Sharma said smoke spread rapidly through the structure, causing suffocation, while the absence of a proper emergency exit route may have worsened the situation. He added that possible violations of building safety standards would be thoroughly investigated.

Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as several people attempted to escape by jumping from the burning building, which was eventually engulfed entirely by flames. Officials also confirmed that the structure housed a pet clinic along with the coaching facility.

The tragedy has now raised serious concerns over fire safety compliance in commercial buildings and educational establishments, with the ongoing investigation expected to determine accountability and establish whether negligence in safety standards contributed to one of Lucknow’s deadliest fire incidents in recent times.