Rajkot gaming zone fire: "Will pressurise govt for probe, compensation," Rahul Gandhi tells victims

New Delhi [India], June 22 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday had a conversation with the victims of Rajkot Gaming Zone fire through video call and assured the victims that the party is with them and will put pressure on the government for investigation and compensation.

Taking to its official X handle, the Congress posted, "Today, Rahul Gandhi spoke to the victims of the horrific accident that took place at Rajkot Gaming Zone in Gujarat on Zoom Call."

It further added, "Rahul Gandhi assured that the Congress party is with them. We will put pressure on the government for a fair investigation and proper compensation."

It further added, "Gujarat Congress leaders were also involved in this conversation."

A massive had fire broke out at a gaming zone in Gujarat's Rajkot city on May 25 evening resulting in the loss of 27 lives including children.

The main accused, who worked at the Rajkot TRP game zone, was arrested by Banaskantha Local Crime Branch and Rajkot Police.

The accused has been identified as Dhaval Thakkar, a resident of Abu Road. He had fled after the fire broke out in the game zone.

Following the incident, all the gaming zones in Vadodara were inspected and temporarily shut down.

Notably, the Gujarat High Court had asked the State government why only junior-level officers were suspended and not the city municipal commissioner in connection with the Rajkot game zone fire incident case in which 27 people were killed, an official said.

President of Gujarat High Court Advocates' Association Brijesh Trivedi further added that the Gujarat High Court also asked why 302 IPC was not invoked in the case.

"The court has taken the matter very seriously. The court asked the State government why only junior-level officers were suspended and not the city municipal commissioner. It also asked why 302 IPC was not invoked in the case. The SIT is expected to submit its report before the court soon," Trivedi had told ANI.

Earlier, a plea was filed in a court here demanding that 13 more officers be booked in connection with the Rajkot gaming zone fire incident.

The complaint has been lodged by an advocate at the Rajkot District Court. It demands that the names of 13 officers be included in the FIR that was registered at Taluka police station after the fire incident.

The court had accepted the petition and set the date of the hearing on June 20.

Earlier, the Gujarat government ordered the suspension of seven officials, including two police inspectors and civic staff of Rajkot Municipal Corporation, for dereliction of duty in connection with the fire incident at a gaming zone in Rajkot on May 25. (ANI)