Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Haryana Police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the deadly joyride collapse at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad that claimed the life of on-duty police inspector Jagdish Prasad and injured several others.According to police officials, the SIT will be headed by ACP (Crime) Varun Dahiya, with Sub-Inspector Sheeshpal from the Crime Branch, NIT, and Sub-Inspector Sanjay as members. The investigation will be supervised by DCP (Crime) Mukesh Malhotra, following directions from Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal.The SIT has been tasked with conducting a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the collapse of the giant ‘Tsunami’ swing on Saturday evening during the 39th edition of the Surajkund Mela. Around 19 people were on the ride when it tilted mid-air and crashed to the ground.Inspector Jagdish Prasad (58), who was deployed on duty at the fair, lost his life while attempting to rescue those trapped in the ride. Twelve others, including police personnel and civilians, were injured in the incident.Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini, who announced compensation and a government job for a family member of the deceased officer, said that the incident was deeply painful and assured full support to the affected families. Speaking to reporters, he said that the government had taken immediate cognisance of the accident and ordered a thorough probe to identify lapses.“The government stands firmly with the family of Inspector Jagdish Prasad. He lost his life while saving others. All possible assistance will be provided, including financial support and a government job for one of his children,” the chief minister said. He added that those seriously injured would receive Rs 1 lakh each, while treatment costs for all injured would be borne by the state.Police have already registered an FIR in the case and arrested Mohammad Shakir, proprietor of Himachal Fun Care Company that operated the ride, along with his staff member Nitesh. They have been booked under charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Investigators are examining whether safety norms were violated and if there was criminal negligence.Meanwhile, the amusement park at the Surajkund Mela venue has been closed with immediate effect, though the fair itself continues as scheduled. The district administration has also formed a separate ADC-level inquiry committee to examine the technical and mechanical aspects of the accident.Officials said that a detailed report will be prepared to determine the exact cause of the collapse and fix responsibility. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty, authorities added.The Surajkund International Crafts Mela, held annually in Faridabad, is one of India’s largest cultural festivals and runs from January 31 to February 15 this year.
