Three individuals were arrested following a fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, that resulted in the deaths of at least 24 people, including nine children. Nitin Jain, the manager of TRP Game Zone, and Yuvraj Singh Solanki, the owner of the game zone were among those taken in custody, India Today reported.
The fire broke out on Saturday evening in a temporary structure at the TRP Game Zone. The blaze prompted a swift response from the fire brigade, with four vehicles dispatched to control the fire and carry out rescue operations.
The investigation is being led by Senior IPS officer Subhash Trivedi, who heads a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising five officers. The team will look into the causes and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his distress over the incident. "My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected," PM Modi posted on X.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that authorities have been instructed to prioritise immediate treatment for the injured. "Instructions have been given to the Municipal Corporation and the administration for immediate rescue and relief operations in the fire incident in the game zone in Rajkot," Patel tweeted.
Chief Minister Patel also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 Lakh to the families of those who lost their lives, and Rs 50 thousand to those injured. He further confirmed that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) would be formed to determine the exact cause of the fire.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the safety protocols and regulatory oversight of temporary structures used for commercial purposes, particularly in recreational zones frequented by children.