Aliganj Fire Investigation: Building Approved for Residential Use Converted to Commercial Complex

A deadly Aliganj fire investigation reveals the building was approved for residential use but later converted to a commercial complex

LUCKNOW: Fresh findings in the investigation into the deadly Aliganj fire have revealed that the building where the blaze claimed multiple lives was originally approved as a residential structure and was later converted into a commercial establishment in 2014. According to official sources, the building plan had been sanctioned in the names of Virendra Prasad Shukla, Surendra Pratap Shukla and Dhirendra Pratap Shukla, associated with the Rameshwaram Group. Investigators have found that while the original map was approved for residential use, the premises were subsequently converted into a commercial complex housing businesses, training facilities and offices. Authorities have reportedly prepared a list of 16 officials and engineers who may face action for alleged lapses in monitoring, approval and enforcement of building regulations. The list includes former officials and engineers who were posted during the period when the change in land use and commercial operations took place. Sources said the probe is examining whether mandatory fire safety clearances, occupancy certificates and commercial-use permissions were obtained before the building began operating as a commercial establishment. Adding another dimension to the investigation, officials noted that the Lucknow Municipal Corporation had been collecting commercial property tax from the building since 2022, indicating that the civic body was aware of its commercial use. LDA records show the 1,992 sq m plot was bought by Vijay Kumar in Dilkusha on November 17, 1980. The property later changed hands. It was sold and registered in the name of Virendra Prasad Shukla on January 19, 2013. The plot was mutated in his name in 2014. Officials said the owner got approval for a residential building map on February 20, 2014 under the Self Map Approval System. Under this system, applicants submit plans online and give an undertaking that construction will follow the sanctioned plan and the building will be used only for the approved purpose. However, preliminary scrutiny by LDA found that the premises was later developed and used for commercial activities despite being approved for residential use. Officials said this alleged violation of land-use norms is a key issue in the investigation into the fire.