The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the devastating fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow has intensified its investigation, with four accused being sent to 14-day judicial custody on Wednesday. The accused were produced before a local court, which remanded them to judicial custody as the SIT continues to gather evidence and question witnesses.
Court Proceedings and Custody
The four accused, who were arrested earlier in connection with the incident, were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate's court in Lucknow. The court ordered their judicial custody for 14 days, rejecting the police's plea for further remand. The accused face charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence under various sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Details of the Incident
The fire broke out on June 18 at a coaching centre located in the Hazratganj area of Lucknow, resulting in the deaths of 12 students and injuries to several others. The blaze reportedly started due to an electrical short circuit in the basement of the building, which housed the coaching centre. The lack of adequate fire safety measures and emergency exits contributed to the high casualty count.
SIT Investigation and Evidence Collection
The SIT, formed by the Uttar Pradesh government, has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The team has been collecting evidence, including CCTV footage, and recording statements from survivors, eyewitnesses, and relatives of the victims. The SIT is also examining the building's safety compliance and the coaching centre's operations to determine liability.
Safety Violations and Legal Actions
Preliminary investigations have revealed multiple safety violations at the coaching centre, including insufficient fire extinguishers, blocked emergency exits, and lack of a fire safety certificate. The building owner and the coaching centre management are among those being investigated. The SIT is also probing whether the coaching centre was operating without proper registration and approval from the fire department.
Government Response and Measures
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and free medical treatment for the injured. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed a comprehensive audit of all coaching centres in the state to ensure compliance with fire safety norms. The government has also ordered the closure of coaching centres operating in unsafe buildings and without proper licenses.
Public Outrage and Protests
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with students and parents demanding strict action against the guilty and better safety regulations for coaching centres. Protests have been held in Lucknow and other parts of the state, with demonstrators calling for a judicial inquiry and compensation for the victims' families.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The SIT is expected to file a detailed chargesheet within the stipulated time frame, based on the evidence collected. The judicial custody of the accused will allow the SIT to continue its probe without interference. The court has also directed the police to ensure the safety of the witnesses and victims' families.
The tragic incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms in educational institutions across the country, particularly in coaching centres that often operate in crowded and unsafe conditions.
