The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its probe into the devastating fire in Lucknow that claimed 15 lives, with investigators examining allegations of safety violations and the illegal commercial use of a residential property.
Authorities have already taken four building owners into custody, while four government officials have been suspended for alleged negligence and failure to enforce safety regulations. The blaze has sparked widespread concern over building safety standards and regulatory oversight in the city.
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Preliminary findings suggest that the structure, originally designated for residential use, may have been operating for commercial purposes in violation of municipal rules. Investigators are examining whether these alleged violations contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
The probe has also uncovered a troubling history of regulatory action. Officials reportedly issued a demolition order against the building in 2016 over alleged illegal construction. However, the order was later revoked, a decision that is now under scrutiny as investigators attempt to determine whether lapses in enforcement played a role in the disaster.
The SIT is reviewing official records, safety clearances and inspection reports while questioning those connected to the property. Investigators are also examining whether adequate fire safety measures were in place and if warning signs were ignored over the years.
As families mourn the victims, the incident has reignited calls for stricter monitoring of buildings and greater accountability among civic authorities. The findings of the SIT are expected to shed light on the chain of events that led to one of the deadliest fire tragedies in recent years.
