Lucknow (Rajeev Sharma): The investigation into the devastating fire at a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area has intensified, with authorities sending the property’s owner, Virendra Shukla, to judicial custody following his arrest in connection with the incident that claimed multiple lives.
According to officials, Shukla was produced before a local court late Monday night after police completed preliminary legal formalities. The court subsequently remanded him to 14 days of judicial custody as the probe into the fire continues.
Investigators said the accused had reportedly cited health concerns, including chest pain and a history of heart-related ailments, during the course of the investigation. However, after a medical examination, doctors declared him fit, clearing the way for legal proceedings and his subsequent appearance before the court.
The fire, which erupted in a multi-storey structure in the Aliganj locality, resulted in a major loss of life and left several others injured. Preliminary inquiries have raised serious questions about the building’s compliance with safety regulations, including allegations of unauthorized construction and inadequate fire safety measures.
Police have already registered criminal cases against multiple individuals linked to the property and are examining whether violations of building norms and negligence contributed to the scale of the tragedy. Officials are also scrutinising the approvals, occupancy status and operational activities being conducted from the premises.
The incident has sparked widespread concern over safety enforcement in commercial buildings, prompting the state government to initiate departmental action and order detailed investigations. Several officials from concerned departments have also come under scrutiny as authorities seek to determine whether lapses in oversight allowed the building to continue functioning despite alleged irregularities.
As the investigation progresses, agencies are expected to question additional individuals connected to the property and examine records related to construction approvals, fire clearances and maintenance compliance.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations, with authorities vowing firm action against anyone found responsible for lapses that may have contributed to the deadly blaze.
