The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has acknowledged a complaint regarding severe fire safety deficiencies linked to the tragic fire at a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area. The incident resulted in the loss of lives of numerous students and injuries to many others. The NHRC has issued notices to the Lucknow District Magistrate and the Commissioner of Police to investigate the allegations within two weeks.
In response to the complaint, the NHRC has directed the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary to ensure strict compliance with the Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Centres, 2024. The complaint highlighted a fire that erupted on June 22 in a multi-storey building housing various establishments, including a coaching centre and library in Aliganj. Students were reportedly trapped inside the building due to thick smoke, leading to fatalities and injuries.
The complaint raised concerns about violations of fire safety standards, the lack of emergency exits, and negligence by regulatory bodies. It also called for an independent inquiry, accountability of officials, compensation for victims, medical care for the injured, and preventive measures. The NHRC emphasized that the allegations in the complaint appear to violate the human rights of the victims.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, including Additional Chief Secretary Amrit Abhijat and ADG Praveen Kumar, is investigating the incident. Initial investigations suggest the fire started in an air-conditioning duct, with the absence of an emergency exit contributing to the tragedy. The blaze, which occurred in a modified commercial building, claimed 18 lives and left two injured students undergoing treatment.
