Lucknow

The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has issued a formal notice to the owner of the Aliganj building where a major fire recently claimed 15 lives, directing him to respond within 15 days regarding alleged violations of building regulations and unauthorised usage of the premises.

According to officials, the structure, which was originally sanctioned for residential purposes, was being used for commercial activities in violation of approved norms. The notice, served on June 23, also warns that further action, including possible demolition, may be taken once the response period ends and submissions are reviewed.

LDA Vice Chairman Prathamesh Kumar said the hearing in the matter has been scheduled for July 7, adding that the law mandates a minimum 15-day window for the property owner to present his explanation.

He stated that any reply received within the stipulated timeframe would be carefully examined before a final decision is made. If the explanation is found unsatisfactory, the authority may proceed with demolition proceedings against the structure.

The LDA has also launched a wider crackdown on illegal constructions and unauthorised commercial use of residential properties, forming seven special teams to inspect violations across the city.

Officials revealed that the three-storey building had earlier come under scrutiny in 2016 for construction beyond approved limits and for being used commercially despite its residential approval. A demolition order issued at that time was later withdrawn after the owner claimed he was not given a fair opportunity to be heard.

Interestingly, the withdrawal was reportedly signed by the same official who had issued the demolition order, prompting questions about procedural irregularities. The authority has now initiated an inquiry into the decisions taken during that period.

The LDA is also reviewing whether lapses by its officials and other departments allowed the continued commercial use of the building, despite its classification as a residential property under the self-certification scheme.

On Tuesday, the authority reissued demolition notices and initiated disciplinary proceedings against officials suspected of negligence in allowing the building to function as a commercial establishment.

The fire, which broke out on Monday afternoon at a three-storey complex housing an animation centre in Aliganj, resulted in the deaths of 15 people and left nine others injured. Most of the victims were associated with the facility.

Police have registered a case against the building owner and others linked to businesses operating from the premises. So far, four individuals have been arrested, including the owner Virendra Prasad Shukla, gaming institute director Tushank Krishna Jaiswal, IT professional Suresh Kumar Sahu, and pet shop owner Ram Krishna Upadhyay.

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Investigators are continuing to examine fire safety compliance, building permissions, and operational violations, while efforts are underway to identify additional individuals who may be responsible for the incident.