The investigation into the devastating fire at a coaching centre in Lucknow has revealed serious lapses on the part of 25 officials, including senior administrative and police officers. The probe committee has recommended strict disciplinary action against all of them, according to officials familiar with the report.
Probe Findings and Recommendations
The committee, constituted by the Uttar Pradesh government, submitted its report to the state administration on Thursday. It found that the fire, which claimed several lives, could have been prevented if safety norms had been followed. The lapses ranged from lack of fire safety equipment to negligence in granting operating licenses.
Among the 25 officials found guilty of dereliction of duty are three Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, five state civil service officers, and 17 police personnel. The committee has recommended suspension, dismissal, and criminal proceedings against them.
Details of the Tragedy
The fire broke out on June 20 in a three-storey building housing a popular coaching centre in the Gomti Nagar area. Over 100 students were present at the time. The blaze, caused by an electrical short circuit, spread rapidly due to flammable materials and lack of emergency exits. At least 12 students died and 30 were injured. Rescue operations lasted several hours.
According to the probe report, the building did not have a valid fire clearance from the municipal corporation. The coaching centre had been operating without a no-objection certificate from the fire department for over two years. The district administration had also failed to conduct mandatory safety inspections.
Action Taken and Next Steps
The state government has accepted the report and initiated proceedings against the officials. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, "Those responsible for the loss of innocent lives will not be spared. We will ensure strict punishment." The suspended officials include the additional district magistrate (finance), the city magistrate, and the station house officer of the local police station.
In addition to disciplinary action, the committee has recommended amendments to the building safety regulations and stricter enforcement of fire norms across all educational institutions in the state. The government has also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Impact and Reactions
The tragedy has sparked outrage among students and parents, leading to protests demanding accountability. The opposition has criticized the government for negligence. The incident has also raised questions about the safety of coaching centres, which have proliferated in Lucknow and other cities without adequate oversight.
As per the probe report, the officials failed to act despite repeated complaints from residents about fire hazards in the building. The committee has recommended that the state government set up a special task force to audit all coaching centres in the state within three months.
