Rajkot Game Zone Fire Tragedy: Fourth Accused Apprehended, Officials Suspended
On Monday, the Gujarat Police apprehended Dhaval Thakkar, the fourth suspect implicated in the Rajkot game zone fire that claimed 27 lives on May 25. Thakkar, who fled after the tragedy, was taken into custody in Rajasthan's Abu Road, authorities confirmed.
Subsequent to the incident, six individuals have been charged, with three arrests made already, including the game zone's proprietor. Two more suspects remain at large; police asserted they are enhancing their efforts to locate and apprehend them.
The Gujarat government suspended seven officials on Monday upon discovering gross negligence in permitting the game zone to operate without appropriate approvals.
Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi revealed that the suspensions were based on a Special Investigation Team's report. Additionally, the minister said that multiple individuals had been detained, and 17 teams had been formed to apprehend other persons of interest.
The DNA verification of victims is ongoing, with families to be contacted promptly upon completion.
Key Developments in the Rajkot Fire Tragedy:
Rajkot Municipal Corporation officials suspended include town planning department assistant engineer Jaideep Chaudhary, assistant town planner Gautam Joshi, and deputy executive engineers MR Suma and Paras Kothiya, as well as police inspectors VR Patel and NI Rathod.n An FIR has been filed against six game zone partners and an additional suspect on multiple charges, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder.n Nitin Jain, manager, and Yuvraj Singh Solanki, owner of the TRP Game Zone, were arrested earlier.n The Gujarat High Court condemned state authorities, characterizing the fire tragedy as a man-made disaster. The court questioned the Municipal Corporation's oversight in permitting the construction of a substantial structure in its vicinity. Commissioners since 2021 may be held accountable and must submit separate affidavits.n Regarding victim identification, the Home Minister stated that the third round of DNA tests would be released, and families with DNA matches would be contacted. Over 26 samples have been collected, with 55-56 samples to be matched.n Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the fire site and instructed relevant departments to initiate strict action against those responsible. The state government formed a Special Investigation Team and announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to deceased family members, while the Centre declared an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh.
