Lucknow: The Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) on Saturday started demolishing the fire-damaged building in the city’s Aliganj area after the 15-day deadline issued to the owner expired.

Bulldozers reached the site soon after the deadline ended, and demolition work began after officials assessed the extent of the action already taken by the building owner. A heavy police force was deployed at the spot to maintain law and order during the operation.

Building linked to June 22 fire that killed 15 people

The demolition action comes more than a month after a devastating fire broke out at a coaching institute operating from the building on June 22.

The blaze claimed the lives of 15 people, including students, trainees and staff members working at the gaming and animation studio located inside the three-storey structure.

Owner calls demolition action illegal

Building owner Advocate Rajendra Prasad Shukla opposed the demolition drive and alleged that authorities acted before the deadline mentioned in the notice.

He claimed that the notice allowed time until July 25 and said he was carrying out demolition-related work but faced restrictions from the police.

The owner questioned the timing of the LDA action and alleged that authorities should have waited until the deadline period was completely over.

Police deployed during demolition drive

Officials deployed a large police force around the site to prevent any disruption during the demolition process.

The LDA has maintained that the action was carried out as per official directions after the expiry of the notice period.

The demolition follows investigations and administrative action after the fatal fire incident that exposed concerns over safety measures and building compliance in the area.