Surajkund Fair tragedy: Swing operator, aide arrested; SIT probes safety lapses

Two persons, including a swing operator, were arrested on Sunday in connection with the fatal swing collapse at the Surajkund International Crafts Fair that claimed the life of Police Inspector Jagdish Prasad and left 11 others injured.

The Faridabad police have registered an FIR under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the BNS at Surajkund police station. The arrested accused have been identified as Mohammad Shakir, proprietor of Himachal Fun Care, the company that installed the swing and Nitesh, one of his staff members.

How the accident unfolded in Surajkund

According to the complaint filed by ASI Sunny, the incident occurred around 6 pm when several visitors were riding the ‘Tsunami’ swing. The swing reportedly snapped from one side, prompting Inspector Jagdish Prasad and other police personnel on duty to rush in for rescue. While the rescue operation was underway, the swing collapsed completely, falling on the rescuers and nearby persons.

Related news: After Surajkund tragedy, Haryana to frame country’s first fair ride safety policy

Inspector Prasad suffered critical injuries and later succumbed at a hospital. Several police personnel and civilians were also injured and shifted to different hospitals for treatment.

“The death occurred due to deliberate endangerment of lives by the proprietor and staff for failing to follow safety standards,” ASI Sunny said in his complaint.

SIT constituted to probe Surajkund incident

A four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by DCP (Crime) Mukesh Kumar, has been constituted to probe the incident. The team includes ACP (Crime) Varun Dahiya, Sub-Inspector Sanjay Kumar and other officials. The SIT is examining safety compliance, responsibility and possible negligence, besides the role of other individuals involved.

Police spokesperson Yashpal said the two accused were arrested on Sunday and further investigation is underway.

Injured stable, swing area sealed in Surajkund

A total of 12 persons, including police personnel and civilians, were injured in the mishap. Five have been discharged after treatment, while the remaining are reported to be stable and receiving treatment.

As a precautionary measure, the swing area at the fair has been sealed pending investigation. However, the Surajkund International Crafts Fair continues as per schedule, with over one lakh visitors expected on Sunday.

Administrative probe ordered

Separately, the district administration has formed a committee headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner Satbir Singh to conduct an independent inquiry. Senior police officers and technical experts from mechanical and electrical departments have been included to assess safety norms and equipment failure.

Tourism Director Parth Gupta and Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha inspected the fair on Sunday and directed officials to strictly enforce safety standards.

Tributes paid to Inspector Jagdish Prasad, compensation announced

The ninth day of the fair began in an atmosphere of mourning. At the Badi Chaupal, officials, tourists and staff observed two minutes of silence to pay tribute to Inspector Jagdish Prasad, who lost his life while saving others.

DGP Ajay Singhal and Faridabad Police Commissioner Satendra Kumar Gupta met the bereaved family and assured all possible assistance, including a job to an eligible family member under compassionate grounds.

Rs 1 lakh aid announced by Haryana CM

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed condolences and announced Rs 1 lakh financial assistance each for seriously injured victims, directing officials to ensure strict safety compliance at all public events.