A tragic accident at the Surajkund Craft Mela on February 7 claimed the life of Haryana Police Inspector Jagdish Prasad, who died while rescuing visitors after a swing ride collapsed. Police have now arrested two accused, including the owner of the ride-operating company, as investigations intensify into alleged safety violations.
Inspector Jagdish Prasad, posted with the Crime Branch and deployed for duty at the mela, was crushed when another portion of the swing collapsed during rescue operations. He was rushed to a private hospital in Faridabad but succumbed to his injuries. Twelve others, including police personnel and civilians, were also injured in the incident.
Police confirmed the arrest of Mohammad Shakir, proprietor of Himachal Fun Care, the company that installed and operated the swing ride. Shakir, a resident of Sirmaur district in Himachal Pradesh, has been named in the FIR. Another accused, Nitesh, a resident of Meerut Cantonment in Uttar Pradesh, has also been taken into custody. The role of other individuals involved in operating and maintaining the ride is under investigation.
An FIR has been registered under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The complaint alleges “lethal negligence,” stating that the ride operator and staff failed to follow mandatory safety norms despite being aware of the risks. The FIR also names Sarabjit Singh as the operator controlling the ride at the time of the accident.
A three-member Special Investigation Team has been formed under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) to probe the incident and fix accountability. Senior police officials, including the Director General of Police and the Faridabad Police Commissioner, visited the hospital and met the family of the deceased officer. The department has announced financial assistance and compassionate appointment for an eligible family member.
Of the 12 injured, five have been discharged after treatment, while the remaining are reported to be in stable condition. Investigators are examining technical faults, maintenance records, and compliance with safety standards at the mela. Police said further arrests may follow as the probe widens.
