Faridabad swing tragedy: Decorated inspector dies rescuing visitors at Surajkund mela, two arrested

A tragic accident at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad on Saturday evening claimed the life of a 58-year-old police inspector and injured at least 19 people after a giant “Tsunami” swing snapped mid-air and collapsed. Police have arrested two accused , suspended all amusement rides at the venue, and launched a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe to determine criminal negligence and safety lapses.

The incident occurred around 6.15 pm during peak visiting hours , when nearly 26 people were riding the giant electric swing . According to investigators, one side of the swing broke suddenly, causing it to tilt violently. Inspector Jagdish Prasad , who was on security duty and supervising the rides zone, rushed forward to rescue those trapped. Moments later, the second side collapsed, and a heavy metal structure struck him, causing critical injuries. He was rushed to a private hospital, where he later succumbed.

A total of 19 people were injured , including two women police constables, several visitors, and children . All injured are reported to be out of danger and stable , officials said. Following the accident, authorities temporarily evacuated the mela grounds , triggering panic among thousands of visitors present at the time.

Police on Sunday registered a case under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and arrested Mohammad Shakir , proprietor of Himachal Fun Care, which operated the swing, along with one of his staff members, Nitesh , a resident of Meerut. Preliminary investigation suggests gross negligence, poor maintenance, and violation of safety standards .

A four-member SIT , headed by DCP (Crime) Mukesh Kumar , has been constituted to conduct a comprehensive technical and criminal probe. The team will examine mechanical failure, safety certifications, inspection records, and accountability at multiple levels. The swing area has been sealed and cordoned off for forensic and structural examination.

The tragedy unfolded barely an hour after a separate incident , in which a gate structure near the food court collapsed due to strong winds, injuring two people, including a child . The back-to-back mishaps have raised serious concerns over safety preparedness at large public events .

Inspector Jagdish Prasad, a native of Dengra village in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district , joined the Haryana Armed Police in 1989 and was just two months away from retirement . In recognition of his exemplary service, he was awarded the Police Medal by the Haryana Governor in 2019–20 . Senior officers described him as a dedicated and courageous officer who laid down his life trying to save others.

Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹1 crore for Prasad’s family and assured a government job to one dependent . Declaring him a martyr , the DGP said his sacrifice reflected the highest traditions of policing. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed deep grief and ordered a time-bound inquiry , directing strict action against those responsible.

Prasad is survived by his wife Sudha , daughters Nidhi and Deepti , and son Gaurav , all students. His sudden death has plunged his native village into mourning, with relatives and colleagues remembering him as a devoted family man and a disciplined officer.

The district administration has allowed the mela to continue , but all amusement rides have been suspended indefinitely , and safety audits across the venue have been intensified. A committee headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner has also been formed to conduct a parallel administrative inquiry.

This is the third serious accident involving amusement rides at the Surajkund fair , reviving long-standing concerns over safety. In 2002 , a young man died in a similar incident, while another accident in 2019 left a visitor seriously injured. Despite official claims of daily inspections and strict installation norms, Saturday’s tragedy has once again highlighted systemic lapses in public safety management .

The 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela , inaugurated on January 31 and scheduled to conclude on February 15, features artisans and cultural performers from over 50 countries , with an expected footfall of more than 15 lakh visitors .