In a significant development concerning Rajkot’s gaming fire tragedy, serious questions have been raised over the safety standards adopted by the facility.
According to officials, this amusement center was operating without a no-objection certificate (NOC) usually granted for fire clearance.
In addition, they also revealed, that the gaming zone at that time, had only one exit.
Further, it is also suspected, that firing in TRP gaming zone might have started due to short circuit. But as per the officials, the cause is still being probed.
However, according to several sources, not possessing the necessary licenses to operate, followed by no record of no-objection certificate (NOC). This lack of regulatory compliance only came under the radar after the disaster.
The Rajkot Mayor Nayna Pedhadiya, who earlier arrived at the scene, to oversee rescue operations, also confirmed the absence of NOC.
“We will investigate how such a big game zone was functioning without a fire NOC, and we are witnessing the consequences of it. No politics will be allowed over this issue, said Pedhadiya.
It is also disclosed, it had only one emergency exit, thus, making it difficult for people to escape.
Discussing the incident, Rajkot Fire Officer Ilesh Kher informed reporters that people were trapped due to the collapse of a temporary structure near the entrance, which made it difficult for them to exit.
Developments in the Rajkot Fire Tragedy Investigation So Far
Meanwhile, both the owner and manager of TRP game zone have been detained for questioning.
The State Director General of Police has also directed commissioners and superintendents to inspect all gaming zones in Gujarat.
Additionally, orders have been issued to shut down any zones, who are operating without fire safety permissions.
The DGP has also instructed the police to conduct these inspections in collaboration with municipal fire officers.
