Today(on 6th June),The Gujarat High Court scrutinizes administrative actions post-Rajkot gaming zone fire, emphasizing disproportionate punishment. Inquiry focuses on why junior officers were suspended, sparing higher-ranking officials like the municipal commissioner.
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AHMEDABAD: Today(on 6th June), The Gujarat High Court has raised pointed questions regarding the administrative actions taken following the tragic fire incident at a gaming zone in Rajkot, which resulted in the loss of 27 lives. The court’s inquiry specifically targets the disparity in punitive measures taken against junior officers while seemingly sparing higher-ranking officials, including the city’s municipal commissioner.
During a recent hearing, the Gujarat High Court probed the state government’s decision-making process, questioning-
“why only junior-level officers were suspended while the city municipal commissioner was not.”
This query highlights a perceived lack of accountability at the higher echelons of city administration.
Furthermore, the court expressed concerns over the legal proceedings, inquiring why the severe charge of ‘culpable homicide not amounting to murder’ under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) was not considered in this grave matter.
“The court has regarded the matter with utmost seriousness.”
-said Brijesh Trivedi, President of the Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association.
He detailed that the court is awaiting a report from the Special Investigation Team (SIT), expected to be submitted soon, which could shed more light on the incident and the subsequent administrative and legal actions.
The incident has not only prompted judicial scrutiny but has also led to legal actions from local advocates. A plea demanding further accountability was lodged in a Rajkot court by an advocate, who argued that an additional 13 officers should be implicated in the case.
This plea indicates a growing demand for a broader scope of legal scrutiny and accountability. The complaint was filed at the Rajkot District Court and specifically requests the inclusion of these officers’ names in the First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Taluka police station.
The court has acknowledged the plea and scheduled a hearing on June 20.
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The Gujarat government has ordered the suspension of seven officials, including two police inspectors and staff from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, in connection with the devastating fire incident at a gaming zone in Rajkot on May 25. The tragic fire resulted in the loss of 27 lives, including children, casting a shadow of grief over the city.
The incident unfolded on the evening of May 25, when a massive blaze erupted at a gaming zone in Rajkot city. The fire quickly spread, trapping numerous individuals inside and leading to a catastrophic loss of life. In the aftermath, authorities launched an investigation to determine the cause and identify those responsible for the tragedy.
Among the suspended officials are two police inspectors and several civic staff members of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation. The suspension was a direct result of their “dereliction of duty,” as stated by the Gujarat government, highlighting the seriousness with which the administration is addressing the issue.
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The main accused in the case, identified as Dhaval Thakkar, was apprehended by the Banaskantha Local Crime Branch and the Rajkot Police. Thakkar, a resident of Abu Road, was working at the Rajkot TRP game zone at the time of the incident. He had fled the scene immediately after the fire broke out, prompting a manhunt that eventually led to his arrest.
In response to the Rajkot tragedy, all gaming zones in Vadodara were inspected and temporarily shut down. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any recurrence of such a disaster and to ensure that all gaming zones comply with the necessary safety regulations.
The Gujarat government’s speedy action in suspending the officials underscores its commitment to accountability and public safety. The incident has also sparked a broader discussion on the need for stringent enforcement of safety standards in public places, particularly those frequented by children and families.
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The tragic loss of 27 lives, including innocent children, has left the community in mourning. As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on providing justice for the victims and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
