The fire incident at the gaming zone in Rajkot, which resulted in the loss of 27 lives, has been attributed to a welding operation according to CCTV footage analysis. The footage revealed that sparks from the welding activity on the roof ignited wooden planks placed directly underneath, initiating the tragic blaze.
Footage also depicted individuals urgently attempting to clear combustible items away from the spreading flames. A 40-second video, shared by news agency PTI, showcased employees of the TRP Game Zone striving to remove objects from the vicinity of the fire as it raged perilously close to them. Among the items consumed by the fire in the video were chairs, wooden boxes, and planks.
VIDEO | CCTV footage of fire that broke out at game zone in Rajkot yesterday, leading to the death of 27 people.#Rajkotfire pic.twitter.com/bvmi1YQ36I
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 26, 2024
Authorities mentioned that the gaming zone was equipped with fire safety measures, but the response to control the fire was inadequate, exacerbating the severity of the incident.
Taking note of the gravity of the situation, the Gujarat High Court initiated suo motu cognizance of the fire incident, describing it as a “man-made disaster” upon observing the presence of highly flammable materials stored on-site, including petrol, fibers, and fiberglass sheets.
Subsequently, the owner partner of TRP Game Zone and its manager were apprehended on charges of culpable homicide, as it was discovered that the facility was operating without the necessary fire No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Rajkot Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Parthrajsinh Gohil informed that Yuvrajsinh Solanki, a partner in Raceway Enterprise, which managed the TRP Game Zone, and the establishment’s manager, Nitin Jain, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered against six individuals, including Dhaval Thakkar, proprietor of Dhaval Corporation, and partners of Raceway Enterprise, Ashoksinh Jadeja, Kiritsinh Jadeja, Prakashchand Hiran, Yuvrajsinh Solanki, and Rahul Rathod, as per the FIR filed by Rajkot taluka police.
Efforts to apprehend the remaining four accused, who are currently absconding, are underway with the formation of four separate teams by the crime branch.
