Rajkot : Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Team Conducts An Investigation At TRP Game Zone

A devastating fire engulfed a game zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on Saturday, resulting in a tragic loss of lives, including children. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and prompted swift action from authorities and leaders across the political spectrum.

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Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team conducts an investigation at TRP Game Zone in Rajkot

< The Gujarat High Court, which took suo motu cognizance of the fire incident, stated on Sunday that, “Prima facie, a man-made disaster has occurred where innocent lives of children have been lost, and families have grieved their loss.”

Expressing shock at newspaper reports indicating that the gaming zone in Rajkot exploited loopholes in the Gujarat Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (GDCR), the court emphasized that these entertainment zones appeared to have been established without the necessary approvals from competent authorities.

Furthermore, the High Court sought clarification from the state government and municipal corporations regarding the issuance of licenses, including those for use and compliance with fire safety regulations, for these entertainment zones within their jurisdiction.

Highlighting that similar gaming zones have emerged in Ahmedabad city, the court underscored the significant threat they pose to public safety, especially innocent children.

< “Of the nine injured, six have been discharged from the hospital,” stated Rajkot District Collector Prabhav Joshi. He added that identifying the victims will take several more hours as forensic experts work to match their DNA with their relatives.

Shortly after the fire started at the amusement park on Nana Mava Road, it quickly consumed the two-story tin shed housing indoor gaming facilities. As of 11 am on Sunday, 27 people were confirmed dead, and nine others were injured.

< Following the state government’s announcement of an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of victims of the fire at Rajkot’s gaming zone, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has also declared compensation. The PMO announced that Rs 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those injured. This aid comes from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

“In response to the fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi, the Prime Minister has announced that an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased individual, and Rs 50,000 to each of the injured,” the PMO stated in a post on X on Sunday afternoon.

< The Gujarat High Court has initiated suo motu proceedings concerning the fire tragedy in Rajkot, describing it as a man-made disaster. Justice Biren Vaishnav, leading the special bench, observed that the incident resulted in the tragic loss of children’s lives and left many families grieving. The bench referred to newspaper reports suggesting that the gaming zone in Rajkot exploited loopholes in the Gujarat Comprehensive General Development Control Regulations (GDCR), facilitating the creation of illegal recreational activities.

Officials stated that the amusement center was operating without a no-objection certificate (NOC) for fire clearance and had only one exit. The gaming zone, named TRP, was crowded with visitors taking advantage of a weekend discount with tickets priced at just ₹ 99. While a short circuit is suspected as the fire’s origin, officials noted that the exact cause will only be determined after an investigation.

“The cause of the fire has yet to be confirmed.”

The fire broke out at the TRP Game Zone in Rajkot, with the temporary structure of the establishment collapsing during the blaze, trapping numerous individuals underneath. Despite the efforts of fire department officials, the structure’s collapse made it challenging to conduct rescue and dousing operations.

Rajkot Commissioner of Police, Raju Bhargava, confirmed the grim toll, stating that at least 20 bodies were recovered from the scene. The cause of the fire remained unknown at the time of the incident, with investigations ongoing.

The tragedy prompted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to direct immediate rescue and relief operations, emphasizing the need for prioritizing the treatment of the injured. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also reached out to Chief Minister Patel, expressing condolences and offering support to the affected families.

As details of the incident unfolded, it was revealed that the gaming zone was owned by Yuvraj Singh Solanki. Both Solanki and the manager of the TRP Game Zone were taken into custody for interrogation regarding the fire.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Director General of Police instructed officials to inspect all game zones in the state and close those operating without fire safety permissions. The directive aimed to prevent similar tragedies and ensure public safety.

Leaders from various political parties expressed sorrow and solidarity with the affected families. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal extended condolences and prayers for the victims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, deeply saddened by the incident, also offered his condolences and monitored the situation closely. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar echoed sentiments of grief and solidarity, emphasizing the need for support and compassion during such trying times.

Following the tragic incident, efforts were underway to provide medical assistance to the injured. Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced the preparation of 30 ICU beds at AIIMS Rajkot for treating the injured, underscoring the government’s commitment to their well-being.

As investigations continued and rescue operations persisted, the community mourned the loss of innocent lives and demanded accountability for the tragedy. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi assured swift action, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with probing the incident and identifying those responsible.

The Rajkot fire tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety measures and vigilance in public spaces. As the affected families grapple with profound loss, the nation stands united in solidarity and support during their time of grief.