HC slams Gujarat government, municipal body over Rajkot fire tragedy
What's the story
The Gujarat High Court on Monday rapped the state government and the municipal body over the fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot—which killed 28 persons—including four children.
The court was informed that these gaming zones had been operating without necessary permits for over two years.
"This has been going on for two-and-a-half years (referring to the Rajkot gaming zone). Are we to assume you turned a blind eye? What do you and your followers do?" the court said.
Context
Why does this story matter?
A massive fire broke out at the TRP game zone in Rajkot on Saturday afternoon.
Reports indicate the gaming zone lacked necessary licenses to operate and had only one gate for entry and exit.
Additionally, the facility stored 1,500-2,000 liters of diesel for generators and 1,000-1,500 liters of petrol for go-karting, intensifying the blaze.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it is suspected to have started due to a short circuit.
Licensing issue
Gaming zone granted license by local police
The HC made the statement after the Rajkot municipal body said, in court, that "our approval was not taken."
According to reports, the Rajkot gaming zone had been granted a license by local police in November of the previous year, which was renewed until December 31, 2024.
However, the court's dissatisfaction against the corporation grew after photographs showed officials at the gaming zone.
"Who were these officers? Did they go there to play?" the court asked.
Investigation
State government acknowledges oversight
The high court also criticized the state government for its lack of oversight and unresolved fire safety certification hearings for four years.
Advocate Manisha Luv Kumar Shah, representing the state government, admitted that two other gaming zones in Ahmedabad were operating without permission.
She stated that a special team had been formed to investigate all such issues and file a report within 72 hours.
Tragic losses
HC cites past incidents
The court was informed that there are 34 mini-gaming zones inside the city's malls, three of which don't have a no-objection certificate from the fire department—a mandatory requirement.
"Then this rule was not followed in Rajkot," the HC responded.
To reassure the court of action being taken, it was reported that three owners were arrested and more arrests were underway.
The court also referred to "many incidents" in the past four years where its decisions hadn't prevented incidents from occurring.
Legal action
6 officials suspended for 'gross negligence'
Meanwhile, six officials have been suspended for "gross negligence," including two police officers and three civic body officials.
Charges of culpable homicide have been filed against six partners who owned the gaming zone; two have been arrested so far.
The state has formed a five-member team led by Additional Director General of Police Subhash Trivedi to investigate this incident further.