Newly-Wed Couple, Bride’s Sister Among 28 Killed in Gujarat Gaming Zone Fire, 5 Officials Suspended

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government on Monday suspended five officials, including two police inspectors and civic staff in connection with the Rajkot game zone fire which claimed 28 lives.

As per a government release, these officials were held responsible “for their gross negligence in allowing the game zone to operate without necessary approvals”. The blaze erupted at the gaming zone on Saturday and it was operating without the fire NOC.

A newly married couple, Akshay Dholaria (24), his wife Khyati (20), and her sister Harita were among the 28 people killed in the massive fire at a gaming zone in Gujarat’s Rajkot on Saturday evening.

Akshay lived with his parents in Canada. He had come to Rajkot to marry Khyati. They married a week before the tragedy occurred. Their bodies were burnt beyond recognition. While Akshay’s body was identified with the help of the ring he was wearing. Bodies of the couple have been sent for DNA testing.

The gaming zone, called TRP, was packed with visitors when the mishap occurred due to a weekend discount offer with tickets priced at just Rs 99. It is suspected that the fire might have started due to a short circuit.