Major safety violations uncovered at Rajkot game zone after tragic fire incident
Rajkot: The devastating fire that engulfed a gaming zone in Rajkot, claiming the lives of 28 individuals, including 9 children, has spotlighted serious lapses in safety standards at the establishment. Authorities revealed that the amusement center, known as TRP, was operating without the necessary no-objection certificate (NOC) for fire clearance and had only one exit, raising concerns about its preparedness for emergencies.
The tragedy struck during a period of heightened footfall, with the gaming zone offering discounted tickets priced at just ₹99 for the weekend. While initial investigations suggest a possible short circuit as the cause of the fire, conclusive findings are pending a thorough probe.
Firefighters faced formidable challenges combating the blaze, compounded by the collapse of the temporary structure and adverse wind conditions. The intensity of the fire was such that smoke billowed several kilometers away, leaving victims' bodies charred beyond recognition. DNA samples have been collected to aid in identification.
The absence of requisite licenses and fire safety clearances from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation has drawn sharp criticism, with regulatory oversight coming under scrutiny in the aftermath of the tragedy. Rajkot Mayor Nayna Pedhadiya, overseeing rescue efforts at the scene, confirmed the lack of a fire NOC and pledged a thorough investigation into the regulatory lapses.
The facility's single emergency exit exacerbated the panic and difficulty in evacuating patrons, particularly as a collapse near the entrance impeded egress. Both the owner and manager of the TRP game zone have been detained for interrogation.
In response to the incident, the state director general of police has instructed law enforcement agencies to conduct comprehensive inspections of game zones across Gujarat, with directives to shut down any operation without proper fire safety permissions.
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Kerala govt sets up control rooms for assistance to Keralites in states bordering Pakistan
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The Kerala government on Friday said that it has opened control rooms at the Secretariat and NORKA department here to provide assistance and information to Keralites and students from the southern state living in the areas bordering Pakistan.
The control rooms were opened on the directions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in view of the tense situation prevailing in the border states, a statement issued by his office said.
It also said that "there is no need to be worried" at the moment.
The government asked the Keralites in the state bordering Pakistan to follow the instructions given by the authorities and stay safe.
"If you need assistance, you can contact the control room number." it added.
The control room at the Secretariat can be reached through -- 0471-2517500/2517600, 0471-2322600 (fax) and cdmdkerala@kerala.gov.in., the statement said.
The Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) global contact center can be reached at 18004253939 (toll free number) and 00918802012345 (missed call from abroad), it said.
Pakistan's armed forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along the entire western border on the intervening night of May 8-9, which were "effectively repulsed", the Indian Army said on Friday.
Pakistani troops also resorted to "numerous ceasefire violations" along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian Army said.
The developments followed the precise missile strikes carried out by the Indian armed forces on nine terror targets in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan early Wednesday under Operation Sindoor, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
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