LUCKNOW, June 23 -- President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Aliganj building fire in Lucknow, as leaders across party lines condoled the tragedy and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. PM Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs.2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs.50,000 for those injured.

"Anguished by the loss of lives in a fire mishap in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. My condolences to the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. Rescue operations are underway and authorities are providing all possible assistance. An ex-gratia payment of Rs.2 lakh from PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each d...