Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh govt on Monday night suspended four officials from the LDA, power and fire departments in connection with the Aliganj inferno. The action came on the CM’s directive.The suspensions came amid allegations of serious lapses in enforcement of fire safety norms, building regulations and inspection mechanisms at the commercial building where the blaze claimed multiple lives.Those suspended are Gaurav Kumar, executive engineer in the electricity department (collection) posted in Jankipuram; Kamlendra Kumar Singh, fire safety station officer posted in Indira Nagar; Anil Kumar, assistant engineer in the Lucknow Development Authority and Pramod Pandey, junior engineer in LDA.Sources said the action was taken following a preliminary review of the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and the role of departments responsible for ensuring compliance with building and fire safety regulations.Govt is examining whether mandatory inspections were conducted, fire safety deficiencies ignored and unauthorised commercial activities allowed.The suspensions coincide with multiple parallel investigations, including a Special Investigation Team probe ordered by the CM.Investigators are scrutinising the building’s approval history, change of land use permissions, fire safety clearances, occupancy certificates and the role of officials responsible for monitoring compliance.Govt has indicated that further action could follow if additional lapses or negligence are found during the inquiry. Senior officials said accountability would be fixed at every level and action would be taken against those found responsible for violations that may have contributed to one of Lucknow’s deadliest fire disasters in recent years.
