Inspector Jagdish Prasad Dies in Surajkund Fair Swing Collapse Rescue Operation
Inspector Jagdish Prasad of the Palwal Police, who tragically lost his life while attempting to rescue individuals after a swing collapsed at the Surajkund Mela on Saturday, was scheduled to retire in March. The 59-year-old officer, originally from Mathura, had dedicated an impressive 36 years to the police force, serving with unwavering commitment and integrity.
Details of the Tragic Incident and Rescue Efforts
According to a spokesperson from the Faridabad Police, Inspector Prasad was posted in the Police Lines at Palwal and held the responsibility of duty in-charge for the zone where the swing was located. The incident unfolded when one end of the swing suddenly gave way at the fairground, prompting a swift response from shopkeepers, policemen, and other bystanders who rushed to aid the victims.
During the intense rescue operation, the swing unexpectedly broke from the opposite end as well, crashing to the ground. This secondary collapse resulted in multiple individuals, including Inspector Prasad, becoming trapped and sustaining severe injuries. Eyewitness accounts, such as that from Anuj Kumar, a 19-year-old who was injured in the accident, describe the event as sudden and chaotic, with many caught off guard by the rapid sequence of events.
Family's Grief and Official Tributes
Inspector Prasad is survived by his wife, two daughters, and his son Gaurav Kunjil, aged 32, who works as a supervisor in Sonepat. The family expressed profound sorrow and confusion over the loss, with Kunjil stating he is uncertain whom to hold accountable for his father's death. At the Badshah Khan Civil Hospital mortuary, Prasad's mother was seen in a state of inconsolable grief, lamenting his sudden departure.
In a heartfelt tribute, Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal praised Inspector Prasad for his extraordinary courage, dedication to duty, and deep human compassion. "Inspector Jagdish displayed exemplary bravery that saved numerous lives, embodying the highest traditions of police service," Singhal remarked, highlighting the officer's prompt actions during the crisis.
Response and Aftermath of the Accident
The collapse led to a significant emergency response, with reports indicating that over 18 ambulances arrived at the scene to assist the injured. Many of those hurt were transported to Supreme Hospital in Charmwood village on Surajkund Road, where some, including individuals from Noida and Gurgaon, were treated and later discharged. Balveer Singh, a nearby stall proprietor who rushed to help, was among those injured when the swing's other side fell on him.
The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, an annual event held in Faridabad with this year's theme centered on the vision of Viksit Bharat-Atmanirbhar Bharat, is set to conclude on February 15. This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the festivities, underscoring the risks faced by first responders and the importance of safety measures at public gatherings.
