Lucknow Fire: Co-Owners’ Background Points to Medical Exam Paper Leak Case, Property Allegations

The co-owner of the commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area where a devastating fire killed 15 people earlier this week had previously been linked to a medical entrance examination paper leak controversy, according to sources. The fresh details have brought renewed attention to the ownership history of the building as investigators probe safety lapses and regulatory violations behind one of the city's worst fire tragedies in recent years.

Who is the co-owner under scrutiny?

Surendra Shukla, identified as one of the co-owners of the fire-affected building, had earlier figured in the 2015 controversy related to the Uttar Pradesh Combined Pre-Medical Test (CPMT) paper leak case.

At the time, allegations had surfaced that a conspiracy was allegedly planned to leak the entrance exam paper to help his daughter secure admission through the medical entrance process. Investigators had also looked into claims of attempts to secure preferential treatment for her at an examination centre.

An FIR was registered, and the case drew widespread attention in Uttar Pradesh. However, Shukla later received relief after the Special Task Force (STF) did not find sufficient evidence to proceed further against him.

What other allegations were linked to the family?

Apart from the exam-related controversy, Surendra Shukla and his brother Virendra Shukla were also previously accused of large-scale real estate dealings.

The brothers were alleged to have purchased agricultural land from farmers at lower rates and developed plotting and property businesses. Virendra Shukla is also named as a co-owner of the building where the fire tragedy unfolded.

What happened in the Lucknow fire?

On Monday, a massive fire broke out in a three-storey commercial building located on Usha Mehta Marg in Aliganj, killing 15 people and injuring several others.

The fire reportedly started around 3 pm and spread rapidly through the structure, filling it with thick smoke and trapping occupants inside. Most victims were young students aged between 20 and 24 years.

The ground floor housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic, while upper floors were being used as an animation, gaming and software training centre.

How did the tragedy unfold?

Eyewitnesses described panic scenes as people attempted desperate escapes. Some students jumped from windows, while others took refuge in washrooms as smoke spread quickly through the building.

Rescue teams later broke through adjoining structures and created access points to reach those trapped. Firefighters, police, NDRF, SDRF and Civil Defence teams carried out an extended rescue operation lasting several hours.

What action has been taken?

The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The panel will examine building approvals, construction history, electrical load capacity, fire safety compliance and possible regulatory violations.

Authorities are also investigating whether the building, reportedly approved for residential use, was being illegally operated as a commercial establishment.

Police have arrested three people so far and registered an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act. Four government officials have also been suspended.

What happens next?

As the SIT continues its investigation, focus has now shifted to ownership history, compliance failures and administrative oversight. The report is expected to determine whether violations or lapses contributed to the scale of the tragedy that claimed 15 young lives.