Gujarat Government Suspends Seven Officials Over Rajkot Game Zone Fire Tragedy

 

Image Courtesy by: The Statesman

In response to the devastating Rajkot game zone fire that claimed 27 lives, the Gujarat government has suspended seven officials for their gross negligence in allowing the facility to operate without the necessary approvals.

Suspended Officials

The suspended officials include:

• Jaideep Chaudhary, Assistant Engineer, Rajkot Municipal Corporation’s Town Planning Department
• Gautam Joshi, Assistant Town Planner, Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC)
• MR Suma and Paras Kothiya, Deputy Executive Engineers, Rajkot Roads and Buildings Department
• VR Patel and NI Rathod, Police Inspectors

Rohit Vigora, the station officer of RMC's Kalavad Road Fire Station, has also been suspended. The RMC's suspension order noted that despite the recreation facility operating without a fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) for a significant period, Vigora showed gross negligence and irresponsibility by not taking any action against the game zone, which was under his jurisdiction.

Government Response and Investigation

The Gujarat High Court took suo motu cognizance of the fire incident, describing it as a prima facie "man-made disaster." The court highlighted the presence of highly inflammable materials such as petrol, fibers, and fiberglass sheets stored at the facility, contributing to the tragedy.

To address the incident, the state government has formed a special investigation team to thoroughly investigate the matter. Moreover, the government has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the families of each deceased person. The central government has also declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh to each victim's next of kin.