A fire in an Aliganj commercial building on June 22 killed 15 people, mostly animation students and staff, due to missing safety features and unauthorised use.
The blaze started around 2:30 p.m. in a three-storey structure in Sector D approved only for residential use. It housed Head Hoppers Studio on the second floor along with a pet shop, clinic, gaming zone and IT office. A short circuit in an air conditioning duct or the pet shop is suspected. Victims suffocated as thick smoke blocked the sole staircase and the digital lock failed during a power cut.
Eyewitnesses reported no emergency exits or fire extinguishers. Firefighters arrived after 30 minutes and took four hours to control the flames with 19 vehicles. Rescue teams breached walls after finding entrances blocked. Among the dead were engaged couple Anamika Samanta and Nilesh Kumar.
Uttar Pradesh authorities formed a two-member SIT on the same day to report within seven days. Four people including the owner were arrested and four officials suspended. The Lucknow Development Authority began inspections on June 23, sealing 71 buildings and issuing notices to 83 others.
