Following the horrific fire that killed 28 people at a game zone in Rajkot, three suspects were arrested and jailed to 14 days in police detention by a local court. The court, presided over by additional judicial magistrate BP Thakar, granted police custody of Yuvraj Hari Singh Solanki, Nitin Jain, and Rahul Rathod after their detention in connection with the deadly tragedy. Tushar Gokani, Special Public Prosecutor, acknowledged the situation, noting that the court granted the police’s plea for custody.
Speaking with reporters, Gokani commented on the situation, noting that three of the six people identified in the FIR had been captured. He stressed the accused’s unwillingness to participate with the investigation, citing evasive responses to questions and allegations that relevant documents were destroyed in the fire. He explained that their lack of cooperation justified their remand. Gokani also mentioned an attempt by one of the defendants, Solanki, to show regret in court. Given the gravity of the charges, the court was skeptical of this behavior.
The investigation into the unfortunate occurrence is still ongoing, with authorities thoroughly examining all pertinent factors. Meanwhile, Solanki and Rathod, partners in Raceway Enterprise, the game zone operator, and Jain, the recreation center manager, are still in police custody. Government officials have charged these individuals with gross negligence for enabling the game zone to operate without the necessary permissions. As a result, a FIR has been filed against six individuals, including Solanki and Jain, at the Rajkot Taluka Police Station.
In the aftermath of the catastrophe, Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Rambhai Mokariya paid visits to the victims’ families, confirming the official death toll and denying any speculations of a higher figure. In addition, in response to the fire, the Gujarat government has taken disciplinary action, suspending seven Rajkot Municipal Corporation personnel, including two police inspectors and civic staff, for neglect of duty.
The terrible tragedy has increased monitoring of gambling zones, resulting in inspections and temporary closures of such enterprises in Vadodara. As the inquiry continues, officials work to establish accountability and prevent similar situations in the future.
