Headline: Massive Fire Breaks Out at Excise Department Office in Lucknow; Four Attacked in Mob Violence over Cattle Meat Suspicion
A massive fire broke out at the Excise Department office in Lucknow’s Kaiserbagh area on Saturday, triggering panic in the region. The office, located under the Wazirganj police station limits near the old High Court outpost, witnessed sudden flames and thick smoke, prompting locals to alert authorities immediately.
According to eyewitnesses, panic spread quickly as smoke was seen billowing from the premises. Locals informed both the police and the fire brigade without delay. Two fire tenders were rushed to the spot and firefighting efforts are currently underway. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and officials have yet to ascertain the extent of the damage. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing.
Four Attacked, Car Set On Fire By Mob over Cattle Meat Suspicion In Aligarh
In a separate incident the same day, four individuals were allegedly attacked and their vehicle set on fire by a mob over suspicion of transporting cattle meat. The incident took place in the region, and according to PTI, local Bajrang Dal leaders claimed it was the same vehicle that had been intercepted by villagers a fortnight ago under similar suspicions. At that time, the police had clarified that the meat being transported was buffalo meat and had released the individuals after laboratory confirmation.
Superintendent of Police (Rural) Amrit Jain said, “A police team reached the spot, rescued the four people and rushed them to a hospital.” He added that the meat has been seized and sent for laboratory testing. A case has been registered and a thorough investigation is underway.
Jain further clarified that during the earlier incident involving the same vehicle, the lab tests had confirmed the meat was buffalo, and the transporter had valid documentation, including those related to cattle slaughter.
