In the aftermath of the devastating fire in Lucknow’s Aliganj area that resulted in the deaths of 15 people, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has ordered the sealing of a coaching centre operating under a larger chain. Officials confirmed that the action will be carried out at 4 PM on Wednesday, and students have already been instructed to leave the premises before the process begins.

Preliminary investigations have revealed several violations at the site, including deviations from the approved building plan. Authorities stated that the structure was originally sanctioned for office use but was being illegally operated as a coaching institute. Officials further added that construction norms were not followed, raising serious concerns about safety standards. They stressed that the negligence had placed students’ lives at significant risk.

The LDA has also directed the building owners to respond within 15 days. If they fail to provide a satisfactory explanation, demolition proceedings will be initiated under the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act. Officials have indicated that strict “bulldozer action” will be taken against the illegal construction linked to the incident, noting that commercial activities were being carried out in a property approved for residential use.

The building owner, Virendra Shukla, was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody after appearing before the Chief Judicial Magistrate late Tuesday night. According to officials, he initially attempted to avoid arrest by citing chest pain and heart-related issues, but was later declared medically fit after examination.

Joint teams from the police, LDA, and fire department have intensified inspections of coaching centres in the area. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Lucknow, Ankush Mittal, said authorities are examining safety compliance across institutes and checking for deficiencies, particularly related to emergency exits. He added that centres found with major violations will be sealed immediately. The incident dates back to June 22, when a fire broke out in a three-storey building in Aliganj housing a gaming and animation studio. The blaze claimed 15 lives, including students, trainees, and staff members working at the facility.