Two Men Arrested Following Deadly Surajkund Fair Swing Collapse
In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, police in Chandigarh have made two arrests in connection with the catastrophic collapse of a fairground attraction at the Surajkund fair. The mechanical failure of a swing resulted in the death of a dedicated police inspector and left twelve other individuals injured, prompting a high-level investigation into safety protocols and operational negligence.
Criminal Charges Filed Against Operators
Faridabad police have taken into custody Mohammad Shakir, the proprietor of Himachal Fun Care Company, and his associate Nitesh from Uttar Pradesh. Both men face serious charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, as authorities believe their actions or inactions directly contributed to the fatal accident. Investigators are now meticulously examining the potential involvement of additional personnel responsible for the installation, maintenance, and daily operation of the faulty equipment on the fair premises.
Formation of Special Investigation Team
In response to the gravity of the situation, Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal has mandated the creation of a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT). This dedicated unit will operate under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Mukesh Malhotra, with an assistant commissioner-level officer leading the day-to-day investigative efforts. The SIT's primary focus will be to determine whether Himachal Fun Care Company complied with mandatory safety certifications, adhered to prescribed weight limits, and followed all regulatory guidelines for amusement ride operations.
Heroic Sacrifice of Inspector Jagdish Prasad
The collapse occurred on Saturday when the swing structure broke apart, trapping several visitors. Inspector Jagdish Prasad was fatally injured while courageously attempting to evacuate those caught in the wreckage. DGP Singhal described Prasad's death as an "irreparable loss" to the police department, praising his "commendable effort" to save lives in the face of imminent danger. In recognition of his sacrifice, the state government has committed to providing full financial assistance to Prasad's family and guaranteeing employment for an eligible family member under the department's compassionate appointment policy.
Condition of the Injured Victims
Of the twelve people injured in the accident, which included several female police officers, five have been successfully treated and discharged from the hospital. The remaining seven victims, including Assistant Sub-Inspector Neelam and Constable Sharmila, are currently reported to be in stable condition. They are receiving advanced medical care as they recover from their injuries, with medical teams closely monitoring their progress to ensure a full rehabilitation.
This incident has raised significant concerns about safety standards at public amusement venues, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future. The ongoing investigation aims to hold all responsible parties accountable and implement measures to enhance public safety at fairs and festivals across the region.
