Rajkot Game Zone Fire: SIT Holds Meeting; DNA Testing Used To Identify Victims After 27 Killed

In a tragic incident, a fire at a game zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, resulted in the deaths of 27 people and left three injured. The event occurred on Saturday evening and prompted immediate action from local authorities.

Members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) held a meeting with local administration early Sunday to address the situation. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the site on Nana-Mava road and also checked on the injured at the hospital.

Investigation and Arrests

The game zone's owner and manager have been arrested. Four children under the age of 12 were among the 27 deceased. DNA samples from the bodies and victims' relatives have been collected to identify the deceased.

SIT Formation and Actions

A five-member SIT, formed by the state government, arrived late Saturday night. The team is tasked with conducting a probe and submitting a report within 72 hours. Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi also attended the meeting.

Prime Minister's Involvement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested information from the Chief Minister and has expressed his grief. He has directed that strong action be taken against those responsible.

SIT's Commitment

Additional Director General of Police Subhash Trivedi, who heads the SIT, called the incident unfortunate. He assured that the inquiry would start immediately to find those accountable and prevent future incidents.

Health and Identification

Additional Commissioner of Police Vinayak Patel confirmed 27 bodies were recovered and taken to the city civil hospital. The three injured individuals are in stable condition. DNA samples have been collected to identify the deceased.

Key SIT Members

The SIT, led by ADGP Trivedi, includes Commissioner of Technical Education BN Pani, Director of Forensic Science Laboratory HP Sanghvi, Chief Fire Officer JN Khadia, and Superintending Engineer MB Desai.

Government Response

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have all expressed their condolences. The Chief Minister has announced financial aid for the victims' families.

Preventive Measures

Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava stated that an investigation into the cause of the fire is underway. The state DGP has ordered inspections of all game zones in Gujarat to ensure they meet fire safety standards.

Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.