Surajkund Mela swing collapse: Owner, supplier arrested as Haryana vows India’s first fair ride safety policy

Surajkund swing collapse

• Owner and supplier of Surajkund fair ride arrested after fatal swing collapse
• Haryana to introduce India's first fair ride safety policy after the incident
• Special Investigation Team and inquiry committee formed to probe safety lapses

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Surajkund Mela swing collapse: Owner, supplier arrested as Haryana vows India’s first fair ride safety policy

The owner of the company that installed rides and the equipment supplier at the Surajkund fair have been arrested, as the Haryana government announced it will frame India’s first comprehensive policy to regulate fair and adventure rides.

This decisive action follows a catastrophic amusement ride failure that killed a police inspector and injured over a dozen visitors at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, with multiple investigations now probing systemic safety lapses.

The incident, which occurred around 6.15 pm on Saturday, saw a high-speed “Tsunami” swing suffer a sudden structural collapse while carrying 18 passengers. Preliminary findings indicate a critical shaft rod snapped, causing the rotating structure to tilt violently and crash to the ground.

Inspector Jagdish Pradhan Prasad, the duty in-charge of the fair’s amusement zone, was killed during a rescue attempt. Officials recounted that he ran towards the malfunctioning ride to help trapped passengers and was struck by falling components. The 57-year-old officer was approximately two months from retirement. The state government has announced a job for one eligible member of his family.

Arrests and scrutiny

Faridabad police on Sunday arrested Mohammad Shakir, owner of Himachal Fun Care, the company whose licence was used in the bid to install the rides and Nitesh, the supplier of the swings, according to a TOI report.

A First Information Report has been registered against them under sections pertaining to culpable homicide not amounting to murder and negligence causing death.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by DCP (Crime) Mukesh Malhotra, has been formed. Police stated the SIT will conduct a scientific examination of recovered mechanical parts and scrutinise technical compliance records.

Concurrently, a high-level inquiry committee chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner Satbir Mann has been constituted. Officials stated this panel will examine the sequence of events, including safety clearances, inspection records, procurement procedures and vendor selection.

Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha was cited by TOI as saying that every aspect was being scrutinised and strict action would follow if lapses were established. He added that the committee’s report was expected within two to three days.

Inspection regime and new safety framework



The collapse has raised serious questions about the efficacy of the existing inspection framework. Officials confirmed to TOI that a nine-member technical committee was mandated to conduct daily inspections of all rides.

A senior official reportedly said that that there is currently no fixed national protocol for fair ride safety, with authorities often relying on vendor reputation or affidavits rather than mandated pre-event inspections.

Announcing the policy initiative, Haryana’s Disaster Management Minister, Vipul Goel, stated the government had taken serious note of the incident. The minister said safety was non-negotiable, especially as the state aims to develop the NCR as a recreation hub.

He revealed that while preliminary investigation suggests protocols were followed during vendor selection, ride safety protocols are virtually unheard of in the country. Consequently, the new policy will mandate daily inspections for rides at large events and frame Standard Operating Procedures.

Currently, 12 injured persons remain hospitalised, including two police personnel. The state has announced compensation of Rs 1 lakh for those with grievous injuries.