LUCKNOW: Fresh findings in the investigation into the deadly Aliganj fire have revealed that the building where the blaze claimed multiple lives was originally approved as a residential structure and was later converted into a commercial establishment in 2014.According to official sources, the building plan had been sanctioned in the names of Virendra Prasad Shukla, Surendra Pratap Shukla and Dhirendra Pratap Shukla, associated with the Rameshwaram Group.Investigators have found that while the original map was approved for residential use, the premises were subsequently converted into a commercial complex housing businesses, training facilities and offices.Authorities have reportedly prepared a list of 16 officials and engineers who may face action for alleged lapses in monitoring, approval and enforcement of building regulations. The list includes former officials and engineers who were posted during the period when the change in land use and commercial operations took place.Sources said the probe is examining whether mandatory fire safety clearances, occupancy certificates and commercial-use permissions were obtained before the building began operating as a commercial establishment.Adding another dimension to the investigation, officials noted that the Lucknow Municipal Corporation had been collecting commercial property tax from the building since 2022, indicating that the civic body was aware of its commercial use.Investigators are now scrutinising the role of various departments, including municipal authorities, development authorities and fire safety officials, to determine whether administrative negligence or regulatory violations contributed to the tragedy.The findings are expected to form a key part of the ongoing inquiry into the fire, which has raised serious questions about enforcement of building and fire safety norms in commercial establishments across the city.
