Faridabad (Haryana): Two men, including the operator responsible for installing swings at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela, were arrested on Sunday in connection with the fatal accident in which an on-duty police inspector was killed, even as the fair witnessed an unprecedented surge in visitors a day after the tragedy.

The Haryana Police said Mohammad Shakir, proprietor and operator of Himachal Fun Care Company, and his staff and another accused Nitesh were arrested following the registration of an FIR that includes charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder and other relevant provisions. A Special Investigation Team has been constituted under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Faridabad, on the directions of Haryana DGP Ajay Singhal.

The arrests came a day after a giant ‘Tsunami’ swing snapped mid-air and crashed to the ground around 6 pm on Saturday with about 19 people onboard, leaving 12 injured and killing Inspector Jagdish Prasad, 58, who was on duty at the fairgrounds. Prasad was awarded the Police Medal by the Haryana Governor in 2019-20.

The swing accident occurred barely an hour after a separate incident in which a gate collapsed at the mela venue, injuring two people, including a child, officials said. Following the incidents, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini ordered a detailed inquiry and assured strict action against those found responsible.

Despite the tragic events of the previous day, the Surajkund mela saw a massive surge in footfall on Sunday. Officials said attendance was initially thin when the fair opened in the morning, but crowds swelled rapidly as word spread that the event was continuing.

According to the fair management, around 50,000 people visited the mela on Saturday, while more than 2.25 lakh visitors were recorded on Sunday alone, forcing authorities to open additional gates to manage the rush.

Heritage and Tourism Minister Dr Arvind Sharma said that while over 15 lakh tourists attended the 38th edition of the fair, this year’s event has already drawn 7.28 lakh visitors in just nine days, with footfall expected to rise further in the coming days.

The ninth day of the fair began on a sombre note, with a two-minute silence observed in memory of Inspector Prasad. Officials said the swing area has been temporarily shut as a precautionary measure, pending further investigation, while all other cultural, craft, food and entertainment activities are continuing under heightened safety scrutiny.

The world-famous Surajkund International Crafts Mela, currently in its 39th edition, is being held from January 31 to February 15 at Surajkund in Faridabad district.
PTI