The prime accused in the Rajkot TRP fire incident has been arrested by the Banaskantha Local Crime Branch and Rajkot Police in a coordinated operation. Dhaval Thakkar, a resident of Abu Road, had fled following the tragic fire at the game zone, which resulted in the loss of 28 lives.
A case has been registered against six individuals involved in the incident. Three of these individuals, including the owner of the gaming zone, have already been apprehended, while two remain at large. The police have intensified their efforts to locate the remaining suspects. A court in Rajkot has placed the three arrested individuals in 14-day police custody for further investigation.
The six accused include Dhaval Thakkar, the proprietor of Dhaval Corporation, along with Ashoksinh Jadeja, Kiritsinh Jadeja, Prakashchand Hiran, Yuvrajsinh Solanki, and Rahul Rathod, partners in the operation of the game zone where the fire occurred. They face serious charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including:
In addition to the arrests, the Gujarat government has suspended seven officials, including two police inspectors and staff from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, for their “gross negligence” in permitting the game zone to operate without the necessary approvals. Those suspended include key figures in the town planning and fire safety departments.
The government’s actions followed a site inspection by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who ordered strict measures against those responsible for this tragic incident.
The fire at the TRP game zone, which occurred on May 25, claimed the lives of 28 individuals, including children. The Gujarat High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the case, labeling it a prima facie “man-made disaster.” Investigators noted that highly flammable materials, such as petrol and fibreglass, were improperly stored at the facility.
In response to the tragedy, the state government has formed a Special Investigation Team and announced an ex gratia payment of Rs4 lakh to the families of each deceased victim. The Centre has also pledged an additional Rs2 lakh to the next of kin of those who lost their lives.