Inspector Jagdish Prasad, who died in Surajkund tragedy, to be accorded martyr status
Haryana DGP announces Rs 1 crore compensation, job for kin
Inspector Jagdish Prasad, who lost his life while leading rescue operations after a swing collapsed at the Surajkund Handicraft Fair, will be accorded the status of a martyr, DGP Ajay Singhal announced on Sunday.
The DGP, who visited the hospital late on Saturday night to meet those injured in the accident, said the family of the deceased officer would be provided a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job to one eligible family member.
“Inspector Jagdish Prasad sacrificed his life while saving the lives of others,” DGP Singhal said.
Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma said the injured were out of danger and confirmed that a case had been registered against the swing vendor. He added that a committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) had been constituted to probe the incident.
A decorated career cut short
A native of Dengra village in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, Inspector Jagdish Prasad joined the Haryana Police as a sub-inspector in 1988 and was a recipient of the Police Medal.
He is survived by his wife Sudha Sharma, two daughters — Nidhi and Deepti — and a son, Gaurav. The family resides in police accommodation at the Sonipat Police Lines.
His death has plunged his native village into mourning. His father, Surajmal, and mother, Shanti Devi, live in Dengra village along with one of his brothers, Pradeep, a teacher. Another brother, Satish Chandra, works at a chemical factory in Ballabgarh, while Chandrabhan Singh is employed with a motors company in Faridabad.
Recalling the moment the family received the tragic news, his brother Pradeep said, “The news of my brother's martyrdom was received at 8 pm on Saturday night. My brother was awarded the Police Medal by the Governor in the year 2019-20.”
Recurring accidents raise safety concerns
Saturday’s tragedy was the third serious swing-related accident at the Surajkund Fair, once again raising questions over safety claims and enforcement.
In 2002, a young man was killed in a swing accident at the fair, following which amusement rides were suspended for several years. In 2019, another accident left a youth injured, leading to a temporary suspension of swings. However, the rides were later restarted by the administration, citing revenue considerations.
Officials maintain that strict norms govern the installation of swings and that daily inspections are carried out. Despite these assurances, incidents of negligence continue to surface.
The Deputy Commissioner has ordered a high-level inquiry, warning that all those found responsible will be prosecuted.
