Surajkund swing tragedy: Ride operator, staffer arrested; CM Saini orders strict action

A swing operator and a staff member were arrested on Sunday, a day after an on-duty police inspector died when a giant ‘Tsunami’ swing snapped mid-air and collapsed at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Haryana’s Faridabad district. The incident also left 12 people injured, police said.

The accident occurred around 6.15 pm on Saturday, when about 26 people were on the ride. The swing suddenly tilted before crashing to the ground, triggering panic at the crowded fairgrounds.

Police registered an FIR under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the Surajkund police station. A special investigation team later arrested Mohammad Shakir, a resident of Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmour district and proprietor of Himachal Fun Care, which operated the ride, along with Nitesh, a staffer from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, officials told PTI. Authorities said the roles of other individuals involved are being examined.

The deceased, Inspector Jagdish Prasad (58), died while attempting to rescue those trapped after the swing collapsed, Faridabad Police Commissioner Satender Kumar Gupta said. His body was handed over to his family on Sunday following a post-mortem examination.

All injured victims are undergoing treatment at two hospitals and are reported to be in stable condition, Gupta added. This was the second accident at the Surajkund fair, after a designer gate collapsed earlier at Entrance No. 2.

Haryana CM orders probe, announces aid

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed grief over the incident and directed officials to ensure strict adherence to safety standards at the fair and other public events. He said a probe has been ordered to determine the cause of the collapse.

The chief minister announced ₹1 lakh in financial assistance for each of the seriously injured and extended condolences to the family of Inspector Prasad, assuring them of the state government’s support.

Earlier, Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal announced ₹1 crore compensation for the inspector’s family and assured a government job to one of his family members. He said Prasad would be accorded the status of a martyr.

Singhal said rides at the Surajkund fair are inspected daily and reports prepared, adding that a detailed inquiry report would be compiled and strict action taken against those responsible.

Meanwhile, the district administration said the fair would continue on Sunday, with the swing area cordoned off pending further investigation.