Faridabad (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Police Inspector Jagdish Prasad, who died while rescuing visitors after an amusement ride collapsed at the Surajkund International Crafts Festival, will be posthumously granted martyr status, officials said on Sunday. The announcement follows widespread appreciation of his role in ensuring the safety of fairgoers during the emergency.
The mishap occurred on Saturday evening when a swing at the 39th Surajkund fair malfunctioned and collapsed, injuring several people. Inspector Prasad, who was posted at the venue, rushed to the site as panic spread and coordinated efforts to pull people out of harm’s way. During the operation, he suffered severe injuries and later succumbed while undergoing medical treatment.
Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said the state government would provide ₹1 crore as ex gratia compensation to the officer’s family and offer a government job to one dependent. “Inspector Prasad lost his life while performing his duty and saving others. His courage and commitment will be remembered,” he said.
The district administration said cultural events at the fair would continue, but the entire amusement ride section has been shut until further orders. Officials added that a detailed safety audit is being carried out.
Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma said all those injured in the incident were stable. He confirmed that a high-level inquiry, headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, has been initiated to determine the cause of the collapse. A police case has also been registered against the private vendor responsible for operating the swing.
Inspector Prasad, a resident of Dengra village in Mathura, joined the police force in 1988 and had served in various capacities over more than three decades. He was awarded the police medal for distinguished service in 2019–20. He is survived by his wife Sudha Sharma, two daughters and a son. The family currently lives in police housing at Sonipat.
Family members said the news of his death plunged the village into mourning. “He dedicated his life to service. The way he died saving others reflects the values he lived by,” said his brother.
The tragedy has once again raised questions about safety standards at the Surajkund fair. Similar accidents involving swings were reported in 2002 and 2019, leading to temporary bans in the past. Despite mandatory inspection norms, officials acknowledged that negligence may have played a role this time, and warned that strict action would follow once the investigation is complete.
