MYSURU: A 36-year-old Delhi-based central government employee, Vishant Yadav, who lost three toes on his right foot in a horrific accident at GRS Fantasy Park, has appealed to the district administration to shut down the amusement park until a comprehensive safety audit is conducted. Yadav addressed the media at the Mysuru District Journalists’ Association on Saturday, recounting the traumatic incident that took place on October 1 while he was riding the Super Drop Water Slide.
Yadav said the injury occurred due to what he described as a mechanical breakdown in the slide’s operating system, which caused a severe impact while descending the chute. He alleged that the ride malfunctioned midway, leading to the crushing injury that resulted in the amputation of three toes.
Delayed first aid and claims of staff negligence
Narrating the incident, Yadav said he was left waiting for nearly 15 minutes before receiving first aid, which he claims worsened his condition. “A complete safety audit must be conducted, and the park should be reopened only after all safety measures are verified. Until then, it must remain closed to ensure the safety of visitors,” he said.
Yadav held the park management and government monitoring authorities jointly responsible, stating that both had failed in enforcing safety protocols and ensuring regular inspection of high-risk rides. “The authorities responsible for tracking amusement park safety are equally accountable for the condition of these machines. It is clear-cut criminal negligence,” he added.
He further alleged that the staff member manning the ride at the time of the accident was not certified to operate the equipment, raising questions about the park’s hiring and training practices.
FIR registered; top officials of park named accused
Following the incident, an FIR was filed on November 7 under Section 125(b) at the Metagalli police station. The managing director and general manager of GRS Fantasy Park have been named as accused in the case. Police officials continue to record statements from witnesses, staff members and visitors in an effort to piece together the circumstances leading up to the accident.
Sources indicated that investigators are also verifying maintenance logs, employee certification records, and mechanical inspection reports of the Super Drop Water Slide to determine lapses.
Officials remain silent as public pressure builds
T. Dinesh, joint director of the District Industries Centre, declined to comment on the matter when approached for clarification. According to activists and local residents, the lack of immediate response from authorities has only intensified public concern.
S. Balakrishna, president of Mysuru Kannada Vedike, criticised the administration’s silence, warning that citizen groups would escalate pressure if swift action is not taken. “If authorities fail to take action, we will organise a protest in front of the park. Public safety cannot be compromised,” he said.
Pattern of amusement park incidents raises concern
The incident at GRS Fantasy Park has renewed focus on the safety of amusement parks in Karnataka, especially during high-footfall weekends and holiday seasons. Experts note that water-based slides and mechanical rides require stringent maintenance, certified operators, and regular equipment audits to prevent mishaps. In many cases, however, compliance checks remain irregular due to a shortage of trained inspectors or gaps in monitoring by local authorities.
Industry observers argue that state guidelines for amusement park safety — covering mechanical integrity, operator licensing, visitor load limits and emergency response times — need urgent strengthening. They also highlight the need for mandatory safety documentation to be made public to ensure transparency.
Call for stronger regulation and accountability
Yadav’s case has sparked fresh debate on whether Karnataka should introduce a statutory regulatory authority for amusement parks, similar to aviation or industrial safety boards, to enforce adherence to safety norms. Civic groups believe that leaving safety enforcement solely to local bodies has proven inadequate, as evident from recurring incidents.
As Yadav continues treatment for his injuries, he insists that accountability must be fixed not only on park management but also on public officials responsible for oversight. “This should not happen to anyone else. Only a full safety audit and strict enforcement can prevent such tragedies,” he said.
Conclusion
The Mysuru district administration is now under pressure to initiate a thorough investigation, enforce safety audits across all amusement parks in the region, and determine whether GRS Fantasy Park should remain operational. With legal proceedings underway and public outrage escalating, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the accountability framework for amusement park safety in Karnataka.