DHANBAD, June 25 -- The authorities in Dhanbad and Bokaro on Wednesday carried out fire safety audits and surprise inspections at coaching institutes following the recent fire incident at a coaching centre in Lucknow.

During the inspections, officials found several safety lapses at a number of institutes in both the districts. Some centres were asked to shut operations until deficiencies are rectified, while many others were directed to improve safety arrangements immediately.

In Dhanbad, the district administration team led by Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Lokesh Barange inspected coaching institutes in City Centre, Saraidhela and other areas.

Officials found serious shortcomings at several institutes, including the absence of adequate...