Lucknow: The investigation into the devastating fire that killed 15 people in Lucknow’s Aliganj area has uncovered serious questions about the legality of the building’s use, with authorities finding that the structure was sanctioned as a residential property but later functioned as a commercial complex.

Officials probing the tragedy said the three-storey building, located on Usha Mehta Marg, had been approved for residential purposes under the Lucknow Development Authority’s (LDA) Self Map Approval System.

However, over time, it allegedly began housing offices, training centres and other commercial establishments, a change that is now at the centre of the inquiry.

The fire, which broke out on Monday afternoon, left 15 people dead and several others injured. Many of those trapped inside were students attending classes at an animation and training centre operating from the building.

Rescue teams battled thick smoke and flames as occupants struggled to find a way out.

Investigators are examining whether the property owners secured the necessary permissions required to convert the premises from residential to commercial use.

They are also verifying whether mandatory fire safety clearances, occupancy certificates and other regulatory approvals were obtained before commercial activities began.

According to official records, the property was originally approved in the names of Virendra Prasad Shukla, Surendra Pratap Shukla and Dhirendra Pratap Shukla, who are linked to the Rameshwaram Group.

The land changed ownership several times before being transferred to the current owners. LDA records show that a residential building plan was approved in 2014 after the property was mutated in the owners’ names.

Authorities believe the building was subsequently developed and used for business operations despite retaining its residential status on paper. Investigators are now reviewing the role of officials responsible for monitoring compliance and enforcing building regulations during that period.

As part of the probe, a list of 16 officials and engineers has reportedly been prepared for possible action. The individuals under scrutiny include former LDA personnel and engineers who held relevant positions when the alleged change in land use occurred.

The inquiry has also highlighted possible lapses by civic authorities. Officials noted that the Lucknow Municipal Corporation had been collecting commercial property tax from the building since 2022, indicating that its commercial use was known to local authorities.

Preliminary findings have identified multiple safety concerns inside the structure. Investigators said there was no emergency exit, while access to the rooftop was allegedly blocked.

They also found that the building’s entry system relied on an electronic thumb-impression mechanism that reportedly malfunctioned during the fire, trapping several occupants inside.

Four people have been arrested and four officials suspended so far, while the investigation continues into what authorities describe as a series of regulatory and safety failures that may have contributed to one of Lucknow’s deadliest fire disasters in recent years.