Devastating Fire in Rajkot Gaming Zone Claims 27 Lives; Investigation Underway
Desk Report, May 26, 2024: A catastrophic fire erupted at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday evening, resulting in the tragic loss of at least twenty-seven lives. An FIR has been lodged in connection with the incident, and two individuals, Nitin Jain, the manager of the Rajkot Game Zone, and Yuvraj Singh Solanki, a partner in the establishment, have been detained by police.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has mandated the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate the incident. Addressing the media, Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargav stated, “The fire broke out in the TRP gaming zone in the afternoon. Rescue operations are ongoing, the fire is under control, and efforts are being made to retrieve as many bodies as possible.”
Rajkot Collector Prabhav Joshi provided further details, noting, “We received the call around 4:30 PM. The temporary structure in the gaming zone had collapsed. The fire was controlled approximately two hours ago, and debris removal is in progress. We are in constant contact with the Chief Minister.”
In response to the incident, Gujarat Director General of Police (DGP) has ordered an inspection of all children’s gaming zones across the state. Any zones operating without valid fire NOCs (No Objection Certificates) and adequate fire safety equipment are to be shut down immediately. Allegations have surfaced that the TRP gaming zone in Rajkot lacked a fire NOC.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident on social media, stating, “Extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected.”
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also took to social media to announce that immediate rescue and relief operations have been prioritized. “Instructions have been given to the Municipal Corporation and the administration for immediate rescue and relief operations at the game zone in Rajkot. It has been instructed to prioritize arrangements for immediate treatment of the injured,” he wrote.
In a separate post, CM Patel expressed his condolences: “The fire tragedy in Rajkot is heart-wrenching. I express my heartfelt condolences to the persons who lost their lives in this incident and their families. I pray to God for the speedy recovery of the injured. The state government will provide Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured.”
State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi also reacted, stating, “Many families have lost their children in this incident. I am going to Rajkot right now. The SIT will start its investigation tonight. The administrator and the manager have been arrested. A meeting will take place after visiting the fire spot, and action will start tonight. PM Modi has also taken the details from the CM. Members of the SIT are ordered to reach Rajkot by 3 AM. The CM will be provided with the details tonight itself.”
As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring that such a tragedy is not repeated. Any negligence will be addressed with stringent measures to prevent future incidents.
Also read: Karimganj Police Seize Drugs Worth Rs 40 Lakh; Two Arrested
