Rajkot Game Zone Fire Tragedy: 22 Lives Lost
"Tragic attacks in Rajkot: 22 people, including children, lose their lives in devastating gaming zone fire
A horrific incident unfolded in Rajkot on Saturday evening when a massive fire broke out in a gaming zone, taking the lives of at least 22 people, including innocent children. Officials are worried that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue amid the debris.
As firefighters struggled to rescue people trapped in the fire, the Bhupendra Patel-led BJP government immediately formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the cause of the tragic incident. Minister of State for Home Harsh Shanghvi immediately traveled to Rajkot to monitor the situation.
Police sources report that four people, including the owner of the firm, have been arrested for questioning. Shockingly, allegations emerged that the gaming zone on Nana Mawa Road was running without the mandatory fire NOC (No Objection Certificate).
Located at TRP Mall, the gaming facility attracted quite a crowd, many of which included children. While around two dozen people were successfully rescued, it is believed that around 50 to 60 people were present at the time of the fire.
“Twenty-two deaths have been confirmed, the bodies have been shifted to the civil hospital. Rescue operations are underway due to the intensity of the fire,” a senior police officer told DH. The daunting task of reaching the spot remains a challenge for the rescue teams.
After the fire spread, Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava, while addressing the media, promised a thorough investigation into the cause and ordered immediate closure of all gaming areas across the city.
Reacting to the tragedy, the state government has promised a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. Although the exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined, an eyewitness reported hearing an explosion amid welding work on the ground floor, which led to the catastrophic fire.
In the wake of recent tragedies such as the boat capsizing in Harni Lake and the collapse of the Machu River suspension bridge, this devastating incident adds to the region’s tragic history of avoidable tragedies. “The collective mourning for those killed is a reminder of the need for strict security measures and vigilant monitoring.
Another incident "KARNATAKA, UDAPI dist
"Udupi Police Apprehend Three Youths Involved in Local Gang Conflict
3 arrested over clash between members of same gang in Udupi
Criminals fearless, law & order has collapsed in state: BJP
Recently, a video depicting an armed altercation among youths on May 18 near Kunjibetta, along the Udupi-Manipal road, circulated widely, prompting swift action from the Udupi police. They have since arrested three individuals identified as Ashiq, Rakib, and Saqlain, associated with the Garuda gang in Kaup. However, other members of the gang remain at large. Along with the arrests, the police have confiscated two cars, two motorbikes, a sword, and a dagger from the suspects.
According to Udupi Superintendent of Police, Dr. Arun K, an FIR has been filed regarding the incident. Initial investigations suggest that while the gang may not have been actively causing trouble, internal conflicts among its members led to the violent clash.
In response to the incident, Karkala MLA and state BJP general secretary, Sunil Kumar, expressed concern over the state’s law and order situation, particularly in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada. He criticized what he perceived as the government’s failure to maintain law and order, suggesting that political motives often interfere with police operations. Sunil called upon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to address the issue and consider the resignation of the Home Minister.”
"BJP Criticizes Congress for Mob Attack on Channagiri Police Station"
“Amidst recent incidents of a mob attack on the Channagiri police station and a gang war in Udupi, BJP leaders BY Vijayendra and R Ashoka have strongly criticized the ruling Congress party. They called upon Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to intervene and demand a comprehensive report from the Congress government regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in the state.
BY Vijayendra, the BJP state president, took to social media to express his concerns, stating that appeasement politics is allowing radicals to engage in violent acts, including pelting stones at police stations, attacking officers, and vandalizing police vehicles. He criticized the state’s leadership for blaming the police instead of addressing the root causes of such incidents. Vijayendra further lamented that Karnataka has now become a haven for terrorists, drug offenders, and corrupt individuals.
Highlighting a perceived lack of government action, Vijayendra criticized the prioritization of policing social media comments over addressing real threats to public safety. He pointed out the disparity in treatment, noting that while no action was taken against those involved in the attack on the police station, efforts were made to arrest BJP MLA Harish Poonja merely for representing the voices of BJP supporters.
Echoing similar sentiments, opposition leader R Ashoka emphasized on social media that Karnataka, once celebrated for its peace and order, has regrettably transformed into a state plagued by lawlessness under the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government.”
