Lucknow: A three-member fact-finding team of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation visited the fire-affected slum cluster in Vikas Nagar to assess the damage caused by a massive blaze that broke out on Wednesday evening around 6 pm, destroying nearly 300 huts along with household belongings and livestock.
The team conducted a detailed on-ground inspection and interacted with several affected families to understand the circumstances of the incident and the extent of losses. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, describing how the fire spread rapidly, leaving little time to save belongings and, in many cases, even making escape difficult.
Victims Narrate Loss and Uncertainty
Among those affected, Mohini, a domestic worker from Sitapur, and her husband Sarvesh, a construction labourer, said their family had been living in the settlement for years while working in the city. She shared that all their savings, valuables, clothes, and basic household items were reduced to ashes, leaving them uncertain about how they would rebuild their lives.
Similarly, Asharam from Barabanki, along with his brothers Vinay and Deepak, said they had been residing in the area for over a decade. According to them, the fire reportedly originated near a liquor shop and spread rapidly across the settlement. They added that many residents could barely escape with their lives, while livestock such as goats were also lost in the blaze.
Another victim, Mohammad Meraj from Lakhimpur Kheri, said his family of 11 had lost everything, including ₹1.5 lakh in cash and jewellery that had been saved for his daughter’s upcoming wedding.
Team Members and Observations
The CPI (ML) team included district in-charge Ramesh Singh Sengar, state committee member Radheshyam Maurya, and labour leader Kumar Madhusudan Magan. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, the team described the affected families as among the most vulnerable sections, many of whom are landless labourers dependent on daily wages.
Demands for Relief and Rehabilitation
Following their visit, the team urged the government to take immediate steps to support the victims. They called for the establishment of relief camps equipped with food, clothing, drinking water, and medical facilities to address urgent needs.
The party also demanded financial assistance of ₹10 lakh for each affected family from the Chief Minister’s relief fund, citing the scale of losses suffered. Additionally, it sought permanent housing for the displaced families under government schemes, noting their landless and economically weak status.
The team further emphasised the need to ensure continuity in education for children affected by the disaster and called for a high-level inquiry into the incident. It stated that any negligence or possible conspiracy behind the fire must be thoroughly investigated and those responsible held accountable.
The visit underscores growing concern among political and social groups over the plight of fire victims in Lucknow, with calls intensifying for swift relief, rehabilitation, and accountability.
