- By Priyanka Koul
- Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:10 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A day after a massive fire ripped through a three-storey commercial building in Lucknow's Aliganj area, families of the victims continue to grapple with unimaginable loss. The blaze, which claimed 15 lives and left several others injured, has sparked outrage over alleged safety lapses, with authorities launching a probe into the incident.
According to police, the building lacked adequate fire safety measures, emergency exits, and proper smoke-control systems. Following a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been made and directed to submit its report within seven days.
Wedding Dreams Turn Into Tragedy
Among those killed were 27-year-old Neelesh Kumar and 30-year-old Anamika Samant, a couple whose wedding preparations were already underway.
Neelesh was looking forward to a new phase in life. Along with an upcoming promotion and salary hike, he was preparing to marry Anamika, whom he had met while working at the centre. Their friendship had gradually evolved into a relationship that was accepted by both families.
Only days before the tragedy, Anamika's parents had travelled from West Bengal to Lucknow to meet Neelesh's family and discuss wedding arrangements.
"A small ceremony was performed at our house. We all met Anamika. She was a very jolly girl," Neelesh's brother Abhishek said outside the post-mortem house.
The tragedy struck Anamika's family twice. Her 27-year-old cousin, Somilya, who also worked at the centre, lost her life in the same incident.
Only hours before the blaze, relatives had been discussing travel plans, wedding dates, and a new beginning. By evening, those conversations had been replaced by frantic phone calls, hospital visits, and the grim task of identifying the dead.
"I Never Imagined That Would Be Our Last Conversation"
Anamika's mother, Sulekha, recalled speaking to her daughter on Monday morning, unaware that it would be their final conversation.
"She spoke to me on Monday morning. We talked every day. I never imagined that would be our last conversation," she said.
Her father, Vishwanath Samanta, said the family rushed from Kolkata after receiving the devastating news.
"She was working here in 3D animation for three years. The local police station asked us to contact the officer-in-charge here. We were informed that she could not escape a fire incident, and everything was burnt. We have come from Kolkata," he said.
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'He Was Supposed To Come Home Tomorrow'
The fire also claimed the lives of 28-year-old Sanyam Vij and 25-year-old Surajbhan Singh.
Recalling the moment the family learnt of Sanyam's death, his maternal uncle Gaurav told IANS, "We came to know about the incident around 8:30-9 P.M. last night. We received a phone call from a friend, who informed Sanyam's mother. After that, we learned about what had happened. As soon as we got the information, we left for Lucknow by car."
Sanyam had been working in the animation industry for the past five years and frequently returned home on weekends.
"He was supposed to come home tomorrow as the family was mourning the death of his grandmother," his uncle added.
Arrests Made, SIT Formed
The deceased have been identified as Shahjan, Sukhmani Singh, Aditya Srivastava, Jwanil Chakraborty, Sagar Pant, Nilesh, Sayyam, Bhavishya, Jyoti, Abdul Rahman, Anamika Samant, Suraj Singh, Md Ammar, and Teejraj, all residents of Lucknow, along with Somalya from South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.
Police have registered a case against three accused, including the building owner, and all three have been arrested.
Officials said the fire spread rapidly through the building, trapping several occupants inside. Two young men who attempted to jump from the structure to escape the flames suffered serious injuries and are currently undergoing treatment at a trauma centre.