Drawn by reels, crowds flock to Lucknow fire site as police struggle to keep onlookers away
Even as investigators sifted through the charred remains of the Aliganj building where the fire claimed 15 lives on Monday, a different crowd gathered outside on Tuesday. They were not mourners, but curious onlookers drawn by viral videos, social media posts and Instagram reels. Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and Special Investigation Team (SIT) members are on site for an investigation in Lucknow. (HT) What should have been a solemn disaster site turned into a spectacle for hundreds who traveled from across the city to catch a glimpse of the gutted structure. While grief hung heavy over the neighborhood and most residents remained indoors, crowds continued to arrive throughout the day, forcing police to tighten security around the area. The lanes leading to the building were barricaded, restricting access as forensic experts and senior officials conducted their investigations. Police personnel were deployed at every entry point to prevent the public from approaching the structure. Despite repeated warnings, many attempted to bypass the barricades to capture photographs and videos. Officers were seen turning people away and using …
