BREAKING UPDATE: 3 Arrested in Lucknow Fire Case as Probe Reveals Missing Fire NOC

The investigation into the devastating Lucknow fire tragedy has gathered pace with police making three key arrests in connection with the incident that claimed 15 lives and left 11 others injured. Authorities have arrested building owner Virendra Shukla, animation coaching operator Krishna Jaiswal, and pet shop owner Ram Krishna Upadhyay as questions mount over alleged safety violations and regulatory failures. Preliminary findings have revealed that the building reportedly did not possess a valid Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC), raising serious concerns about how commercial activities were allowed to operate from the premises. The Uttar Pradesh government has also initiated administrative action, suspending four officials with immediate effect while ordering a high-level investigation. A two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted and directed to submit its report within seven days. Separately, the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) has suspended two engineers for alleged negligence in monitoring unauthorized construction and has formed a five-member committee to examine the matter. Investigators are focusing on reports that the fire may have originated in a pet shop before thick smoke rapidly spread through the building. The structure allegedly lacked essential fire-fighting equipment, had no proper fire exit arrangements, and was being used commercially despite being approved as a residential property. Officials are also examining allegations of unauthorized modifications and the use of combustible materials within the building. As grieving families seek answers, the focus has shifted from rescue efforts to accountability. The tragedy has intensified demands for strict enforcement of safety regulations and action against all those responsible for the lapses that turned the building into a death trap.