Lucknow Stall Fire Under Investigation Following Viral Child Licking Ice Video
A roadside sugarcane juice stall located in the Jankipuram area of Lucknow was completely gutted after a fire broke out late on Friday night. This incident occurred just hours after a video from the shop, showing a child licking ice used at the stall, went viral across various social media platforms. Police authorities have confirmed that they are actively investigating whether the blaze is connected to the controversial clip.
Details of the Fire Incident
The fire erupted around 11 pm near Mulayam Tiraha, with local residents reporting a loud sound before flames rapidly engulfed the stall. The fire quickly spread to an adjacent shop that specialized in selling quilts and mattresses, causing significant damage. Fire tenders arrived promptly and managed to control the blaze after nearly two hours of intense efforts. Officials noted that goods in both establishments were completely destroyed, but a cooking gas cylinder inside the sugarcane juice stall was safely removed in time, preventing a potential explosion.
Connection to Viral Video
The incident attracted a large crowd of onlookers, many of whom speculated that the fire might be linked to a 14-second video that had circulated widely online. In the clip, a child estimated to be between 7 and 10 years old is seen licking a block of ice placed on a sugarcane juice machine at the stall. People associated with the stall have identified the child as the son of a woman who works nearby, stitching mattresses. They further claimed that the boy is mentally challenged, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
Background of the Stall Owner
According to Jankipuram Station House Officer Vinod Tripathi, the stall owner, identified as Munna from Bahraich, has been operating his sugarcane juice business at that location for the past 10 to 12 years. This long-standing presence in the community has made the incident particularly shocking for local residents and authorities alike.
The investigation is ongoing, with police examining all possible angles to determine the cause of the fire and any potential connections to the viral video. The case has highlighted concerns about public safety and the rapid spread of information on social media, underscoring the need for thorough scrutiny in such matters.
