Day after woman’s death, amusement park shut

Rajinder Nagarkoti

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, February 15

A day after a woman was killed while riding a go-kart at an amusement park near Yadavindra Gardens, Pinjore, the government closed down the park till further orders. The government also formed a committee of officials to look into the matter.

The police also visited the amusement park and impounded the vehicle. Late last night, the police had registered an FIR under Section 304A (causing death by negligence) of the IPC against the amusement park contractor.

After the incident, the amusement park, Aqua Village, wore a deserted look. Though visitors enquired about the rides, the staff refused to operate due to government orders.

Puneet Kaur(28), a resident of Bathinda, had died yesterday after her hair got entangled in a go-kart while taking a ride. Her hair had got severed from the scalp in the accident. Earlier in the day, the victim’s body was handed over to her family after a post-mortem was conducted at a Kalka hospital.

Officialspeak 

Sameer Pal Srow, Managing Director, Haryana Tourism Corporation, said they had formed a committee to probe the incident. Srow said the committee would look into the circumstances and reasons for the occurrence of the incident. It will comprise the Additional Managing Director as the chairman whereas the Chief Engineer and General Manager (Management) will be members. The committee will also make recommendations to ensure that such incidents do not recur.  He said directions had been issued to check all swings and rides in the amusement parks in the state. 

Safety lapse

The safety of people during go-karting can be gauged from the fact that the amusement park staff gives helmet and rubber band for loose long hair only. This was revealed by park worker Harbans Singh and manager Balwinder Singh during questioning by an inspection team, headed by Dr Reeti Saini. Even the tyre guard of the vehicle was found damaged.  Notably, Puneet had not even completed one round. Park worker Harbans Singh said he had given helmets and rubber bands to family members of Puneet Kaur.