2 arrested in deadly Surajkund joyride accident, cops probe negligence

A joyride at the Surajkund Craft Mela turned fatal on February 7 when a swing ride collapsed, killing a Haryana Police inspector who rushed in to rescue trapped visitors. Police have now arrested two accused, including the owner of the ride-operating company, as the probe tightens around alleged safety lapses.

Inspector Jagdish Prasad, posted with the Crime Branch and deployed at the Surajkund Mela, died after being crushed by a portion of the ride that gave way while he was helping injured people escape. Twelve others, including police personnel and civilians, were hurt in the incident.

TWO ACCUSED HELD, OWNER NAMED IN FIR

Police confirmed the arrest of Mohammad Shakir, proprietor of Himachal Fun Care, the company that installed the ride at the mela. Shakir, a resident of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh, owned the swing that broke apart. His name figures in the FIR.

Another accused, Nitesh, a resident of Meerut Cantonment in Uttar Pradesh, has also been taken into custody. Police said the role of other individuals connected with the operation and maintenance of the ride is under investigation.

An FIR has been registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, dealing with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The complaint was filed by a police personnel member who was on duty with Inspector Jagdish Prasad at the fair.

FIR POINTS TO “LETHAL NEGLIGENCE”

According to the FIR, the ride operator and staff failed to follow mandatory safety standards, knowingly putting lives at risk. The document names Sarabjit Singh, a resident of Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh, as the person operating the ride at the time of the incident.

The FIR recounts that the inspector and other police personnel rushed to the spot after one side of the swing broke. While rescue operations were underway, another portion of the ride collapsed, falling directly on Inspector Jagdish Prasad and causing critical injuries. He later died during treatment at a private hospital in Faridabad.

SIT FORMED, SENIOR OFFICERS VISIT FAMILIES

A three-member Special Investigation Team has been constituted under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) to examine how the accident occurred and fix responsibility. The SIT includes ACP Crime Varun Dahiya, along with an inspector and a sub-inspector.

Director General of Police Ajay Singla and Police Commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta visited Civil Hospital, Faridabad, and met the family of the deceased officer after the post-mortem. The mortal remains were handed over to the family.

“He laid down his life while saving others. We are deeply saddened and proud of his courage,” the DGP said, adding that the police department would extend financial assistance to the family and provide a job to an eligible member under the compassionate appointment scheme.

INJURED STABLE, SEVERAL DISCHARGED

Police said 12 people were injured in the collapse, including women police personnel and civilians. Five of them have been discharged after treatment, while the condition of the remaining injured is stable. The injured are being treated at Civil Hospital, Faridabad, and a private hospital.

Senior police officials also visited the hospitals to check on the injured and assured them of the best possible medical care.

PROBE WIDENS

Investigators are examining technical aspects of the ride, maintenance records, and compliance with safety norms at the mela. Police said further arrests could follow as responsibility is fixed.

The Surajkund Craft Mela, a major cultural event, continues to face scrutiny as authorities work to determine how a preventable lapse turned into a tragedy that cost a police officer his life while on duty.

- Ends