New Delhi: The Gujarat high court has pulled up state government and Rajakot municipal corporation over fire at gaming zone that killed over 30 people on Saturday, May 25 evening.
The court took up the matter suo motu, pointedly asking municipal commissioner why he should not be held responsible personally for the “man-made disaster”. It said it has “no faith in them [state government and municipal corporation]” to take remedial measures, according to The Hindu.
The court expressed surprise and shock that the civic body did not bother to check even once when such a giant structure was built and became operational.
“There are media reports that your corporation commissioner went for the inauguration. For 18 months, what did the municipal body do? There was no fire NOC, no structural stability certificate and it was merrily going on, in front of the corporation’s eyes,” said Justice Vaishnav.
The government immediately swung into action, within hours after the court’s adverse remarks. It gave marching orders to municipal commissioner Anand Patel and police commissioner Raju Bhargava. D.P. Desai and Brajesh Kumar Jha took over as new municipal and police commissioner respectively.
Additional commissioner of police (traffic and crime) Vidhi Chaudhary was also shunted out, and seven other officials were also suspended. According to a government statement, the authorities concerned were held responsible for “gross negligence in allowing the game zone to operate without necessary approvals”.
