Lucknow Fire Horror: Bulldozers Tear Down Illegal Building Where 15 Lost Their Lives

More than a month after a devastating fire claimed 15 lives, the Lucknow Development Authority ( LDA) on Saturday began demolishing the building at the centre of the tragedy after investigations revealed major illegal construction and unauthorised commercial use.

Heavy security was deployed as three bulldozers reached the four-storey structure in the morning. Authorities barricaded the surrounding area and closed nearby roads before the demolition exercise commenced to ensure public safety.

According to LDA officials, the building had originally received approval as a residential property consisting of a basement and two floors. However, it was later converted into a commercial establishment with unauthorised structural additions, including an extra floor, while also violating mandatory setback regulations meant to ensure safe construction.

The authority had issued a notice to the owners on June 23 under the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, seeking proof that the construction complied with legal norms. After reviewing the case and conducting hearings, officials declared the commercial portions illegal and, on July 10, ordered the owners to remove the unauthorised construction by July 25.

The building became the focus of national attention after a massive fire on June 22 engulfed an office operating on the second floor. Fifteen people were trapped and died, while five others narrowly escaped by climbing down through pipes and electrical wires.

The tragedy triggered multiple investigations into building safety and fire norm violations. Police have arrested four people, including the building owner, Virendra Prasad Shukla, and the operator of the animation centre functioning from the premises.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also suspended four officials from the electricity department, fire department and the LDA for alleged lapses connected to the incident. The demolition marks a significant step in the administration's action against illegal constructions believed to have contributed to one of Lucknow's deadliest fire disasters.