Surajkund fair tragedy: Ride owner, equipment supplier arrested after ‘tsunami’ swing collapse kills cop; FIR filed for culpable homicide

FARIDABAD: The owner of a Himachal Pradesh-based company that installed amusement rides at Surajkund fair and the supplier of equipment were arrested on Sunday, a day after a high-speed "tsunami" swing came crashing down, killing a police inspector during a rescue attempt and injuring more than a dozen visitors.

The police action came as multiple probes were launched into how the ride failed despite orders for mandatory daily inspections.

Those arrested were Mohammad Shakir, who owns Himachal Fun Care and whose licence was used in the bid process to install the rides, and Nitesh, the provider of swings at the venue. Officials said more people could be questioned as police examine possible lapses in installation, maintenance, inspection and operational supervision.


An FIR was registered against the two at Surajkund police station under provisions related to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence causing death.

A special investigation team (SIT) has been constituted under DCP (crime) Mukesh Malhotra. Police said the SIT would carry out a scientific examination of mechanical parts recovered from the site and check technical compliance records and certification.

The crash occurred around 6.15pm on Saturday at the fair's amusement zone. Officials said the ride was carrying 18 passengers when it suffered a sudden structural breakdown. Preliminary findings suggested that one side of a critical shaft rod snapped during operation, causing the rotating structure to tilt violently before collapsing with riders still in it.

Inspector Jagdish Pradhan Prasad, deployed as duty in-charge of the amusement zone, ran towards the ride moments after the malfunction to help trapped passengers. During the rescue effort, he was hit on the head and face by falling components and later died at a hospital. He was about two months away from retirement.

The incident also brought to focus the inspection framework that was meant to govern ride safety at the fair. According to officials, an electrical and mechanical committee was tasked with daily inspections of rides and submission of reports to the deputy commissioner's office.

"The 9-member panel included executive engineers from the electrical inspectorate and PWD, the fire officer of Faridabad, HSVP electrical engineers, Haryana state transport mechanical in-charge, and other technical personnel," an official said.

The collapse, despite these directions, has raised questions over whether checks were rigorous or reduced to mere paperwork.

Haryana govt and district administration have also set up a high-level inquiry committee for a detailed technical investigation. The panel, led by additional deputy commissioner and fair administrator Satbir Mann, will examine the sequence of events, including safety clearances, inspection records, procurement procedures and vendor selection.

Officials said the committee would assess the ride's structural stability, adherence to technical standards, electrical systems, safety arrangements, approval procedures and maintenance practices. "The panel will conduct an in-depth inquiry into possible technical faults and compliance with safety norms, after which it will submit a detailed report to the competent authority. Based on its findings, strict legal and administrative action is expected against any individuals or agencies found responsible," an official said.

Mann said the inquiry would scrutinise inspection reports and certification processes as well. "Responsibility will be fixed wherever negligence is found, and recommendations will be made to prevent such incidents in the future," he said.

Deputy commissioner Ayush Sinha said, "Every aspect, from vendor selection and procurement to inspection compliance, is being scrutinised. Strict action will follow if lapses are established." He added that the report was expected in 2 to 3 days.

The state govt announced a job for one eligible family member of Prasad, who died while rescuing visitors. It also announced Rs 1 lakh for those who suffered grievous injuries.

Officials said 12 people were undergoing treatment, including ASI Neelam and constable Sharmila, while five others had been discharged. The amusement zone has been sealed and all rides suspended for now.