NHRC Takes Cognisance Of Lucknow Coaching Centre Fire; Seeks Action Report

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of a complaint alleging serious fire safety failures in connection with the devastating blaze at a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area that claimed several student lives and injured many others.

The Commission found prima facie evidence of human rights violations. It issued notices to the Lucknow District Magistrate and the Commissioner of Police. It directed both authorities to investigate the allegations and submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.

The NHRC directed the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary to enforce the 2024 Coaching Centre Guidelines. It also sought a compliance report.

According to the complaint, a fire broke out on June 22 in a multi-storey commercial building.

The building housed a coaching centre, a library, an animation studio and other establishments.

Thick smoke trapped students inside the building, forcing some to jump in an attempt to escape. Several students died, while many others sustained injuries.

The complaint alleged serious violations of fire safety norms. It also cited the absence of emergency exits, regulatory negligence and unsafe conditions for students. It also demanded an independent inquiry, accountability for responsible officials, compensation for victims, proper treatment for the injured and measures to prevent similar incidents.

A two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), constituted on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has launched a detailed investigation.

Additional Chief Secretary Amrit Abhijat and ADG (Lucknow Zone) Praveen Kumar are leading the probe. A forensic team has also inspected the site.

Preliminary findings indicate the fire originated in an air-conditioning duct, while the absence of an emergency exit allowed smoke to engulf the building.

The blaze claimed 18 lives, and two students who jumped from the building remain under treatment.

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