SIT inspects Lucknow fire incident site; Congress alleges Uttar Pradesh government’s negligence responsible for tragedy
The two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) visited the Lucknow fire incident site and later met the injured victims admitted to
The two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday (June 23, 2026) visited the Lucknow fire incident site and later met the injured victims admitted to King George’s Medical University (KGMU). The SIT gathered information regarding the incident. A team from the Uttar Pradesh Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) also collected crucial evidence from the site. At least 15 people, mostly students, were killed and five others were injured in the fire that engulfed the three-storey commercial building housing a graphics animation centre, a pet shop, and a library in Aliganj area of the city on Monday (June 22, 2026). SIT members Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department, and Praveen Kumar, ADG, Lucknow Zone, reached the site in the morning.
They conducted a detailed inspection of the entire building for over an hour. “Photographs of the site had been taken from various angles and evidence was being collected to expedite the investigation. Individuals and departments connected with the fire incident will also be questioned. The final report will be prepared after completing all stages of the inquiry,” said Mr. Abhijat. “The team had carried out a meticulous inspection of the site. Alongside them, the forensics team gathered all critical evidence, based on which several individuals would be questioned,” said Mr. Kumar. The ADG said the responsibilities of every department connected to the incident had been brought within the scope of the investigation. Information would also be obtained from the victims, he pointed out, while adding that the investigation report would be submitted to the government within the prescribed timeline.
After leaving the site, the SIT members also met the injured victims undergoing treatment at KGMU. At the site, FSL Director Adarsh Kumar and his team of experts collected important evidence, including debris, burnt equipment, electrical wires, and other samples. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident while four officials have been suspended. Uttar Pradesh Congress unit president Ajay Rai alleged that the State government bears full responsibility for this incident. “The Lucknow fire incident is the result of sheer negligence on the part of the government and administration. A demolition order had already been issued against the building. The electricity load far exceeded the capacity of the electricity connection provided by the department, yet no steps were taken to correct it,” he said.
The BriefWire