The owner of the commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area where a massive fire killed 15 people on Monday had earlier come under scrutiny in connection with the Uttar Pradesh Combined Pre-Medical Test (PMT/CPMT) paper leak case, sources told India Today, bringing renewed attention to his past as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding one of the city’s deadliest fire disasters in recent years.
Surendra Shukla, identified among the co-owners of the fire-ravaged building, had previously figured in the 2015 CPMT paper leak controversy.
At the time, allegations surfaced that a conspiracy had been hatched to leak the entrance examination paper to help his daughter secure admission through the medical entrance test.
Investigators had also examined claims that attempts were made to arrange special privileges for his daughter at the examination centre.
An FIR was registered in the matter and the case drew widespread attention. However, Surendra Shukla later secured relief after the Special Task Force (STF), which investigated the matter, reportedly did not find sufficient evidence against him.
Apart from the exam leak controversy, allegations had also been levelled in the past against Surendra Shukla and his brother Virendra Shukla over alleged large-scale real estate dealings.
The brothers were accused of purchasing land at low rates from farmers and developing plotting businesses.
Virendra Shukla has also been identified as one of the co-owners of the building where Monday’s tragedy unfolded.
15 KILLED IN DEVASTATING FIRE
The renewed focus on the ownership of the property comes after a devastating fire tore through the three-storey commercial building on Usha Mehta Marg in Lucknow’s Aliganj area, killing 15 people, including students, and injuring several others.
The fire broke out at around 3 pm and quickly engulfed the structure with thick smoke, triggering panic among those inside.
Authorities said the ground floor housed a pet shop and veterinary clinic, while the upper floors accommodated a training centre where students attended classes related to animation, gaming and software development.
Many survivors were trapped on the upper floors as smoke spread rapidly through the building.
Eyewitnesses said several students attempted to escape by jumping from windows, while others rushed into washrooms seeking shelter.
Rescue teams later drilled openings through adjoining walls and entered through neighbouring structures to reach those trapped.
Firefighters, police personnel, NDRF, SDRF and Civil Defence teams carried out an extensive rescue operation that continued for hours.
Most of those who died were young students aged between 20 and 24 years. Several injured persons remain under treatment.
UP GOVT FORMS TWO-MEMBER SIT
As questions mounted over building compliance and safety standards, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the incident.
The two-member SIT comprises Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism Department), and Praveen Kumar, ADG, Lucknow Zone. The committee has been asked to submit its findings within seven days.
The probe will examine the building’s approved plans, construction history, electrical load specifications, fire safety systems and possible technical lapses.
Authorities are also expected to investigate whether the premises, allegedly approved as a residential structure, were being used commercially in violation of regulations.
FOUR ARRESTED SO FAR
Police have arrested three people in connection with the case and registered an FIR against multiple accused under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Act.
Four government officials have also been suspended as the administration intensifies action.
With investigations now focusing on ownership history, construction compliance and safety failures, the SIT report is expected to determine accountability and establish whether administrative lapses or violations contributed to the scale of the tragedy.
– Ends
Published On:
Jun 23, 2026 10:13 IST
