Meet visually impaired man, ex-ITI employee, had 6 surgeries, saves 100000 litre water every rainfall, creates...

Despite losing 90% of his vision, Mahindrasinh Zala has spent over eight years harvesting rainwater in Rajkot, saving one lakh litres annually.

Rajkot game zone fire: Police file over 100,000 page chargesheet against 15

Police on Wednesday filed a charge sheet running into 1 lakh pages against 15 accused in the Rajkot game zone fire tragedy that killed 27 persons in May. Statements of 365 witnesses have been recorded. Altogether, 15 persons, including co-owners of TRP game zone and officials of Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) have been arrested, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Parthrajsinh Gohil. As many as 27 people, including children, were charred to death in a massive fire that gutted the entire game zone facility on May 25. The charge sheet was filed by the crime branch in the court of Rajkot Judicial Magistrate First Class AP Dave. It emerged during the investigation that the blaze spread and engulfed the entire structure within 3-4 minutes due to highly-inflammable construction materials such as foam sheet, plastic and wood, with sparks flowing from the welding work being carried out at that time, Gohil told media persons. The charge sheet runs into over 1 lakh pages and

Rajkot fire: Cops file over 1 lakh-page chargesheet against 15 accused

As many as 27 people, including children, were charred to death in a massive fire that gutted the entire game zone facility on May 25

Rajkot game zone fire: Police file over 1L page charge sheet against 15 accused

Rajkot: Police on Wednesday filed a charge sheet running into 1 lakh pages against 15 accused in the Rajkot game zone fire tragedy that killed 27 persons in May. Statements of 365 witnesses have been recorded. Altogether, 15 persons, including co-owners of TRP game zone and officials of Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) have been arrested, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Gujarat rains: Eight killed, widespread relocations, train service disruptions

AHMEDABAD: Eight people died while hundreds were left stranded due to heavy rainfalls in Gujarat on Wednesday. The deaths were reported from Dwarka, Banaskantha, Kutch, and Rajkot districts, informed Alok Pandey, Gujarat's Relief Commissioner. In the past 24 hours... unfortunately, 8 people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes and being swept away in lakes from the heavy rainfall. These fatalities have been reported in Dwarka, Banaskantha, Kutch, and Rajkot districts, he said. This has brought the death toll due to heavy rain in Gujarat to 61. The government is maintaining a close watch on the flood situation and has issued directives to ensure immediate assistance to the affected regions, Pandey said. Pandey informed that the authorities have successfully rescued 215 individuals and evacuated 826 people stranded due to the flood situation, primarily from districts like Navsari, Dwarka, and Bharuch. Pandey also informed that 17 state highways, 42 other roads, and 607 panchayat roads are currently closed due to high water flow, totalling 666 closed roads. We are working to reopen these routes as quickly as possible, Pandey said. Speaking about the amount of rainfall received, Pandey said, In the last 24 hours, Gujarat has received 38.18 mm of rain. Borsad taluka in Anand district recorded the highest amount, with 346 mm, followed by 205 mm in Tilawada in Narmada district, 189 mm in Vadodara, 181 mm in Bharuch, and 151 mm in Chhota Udaipur. In response to the heavy rains, the administration in the affected districts deployed personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local fire departments to rescue people from flooded areas and relocate them to safety. According to officials, in the Belimora taluka of Navsari district, 30 citizens from the affected area were relocated to a safe place, while due to the Kim River overflowing and inundating village houses in Seemodra, located in the Mangarol taluka of Surat district, thirty-nine people and eight animals were rescued by the SDRF. According to data from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), Borsad taluka in Anand district received 314 mm of rainfall within just 4 hours starting at 8 am. As a result, around 400 people were relocated to safer areas after low-lying regions became flooded, officials reported. Anand Collector Praveen Chaudhary stated that an NDRF team was deployed, and the administration was actively working to rescue stranded individuals. In Surat, heavy rains that began on Tuesday caused flooding in the city and isolated several villages, leading to the relocation of approximately 200 people, officials said. Due to the heavy rains, the administrations in Bharuch and Navsari declared Wednesday as a holiday for educational institutions. Western Railway officials reported that 11 long-distance express trains were regulated due to rising water levels beneath a railway bridge in the Vadodara division. Additionally, four local passenger trains were cancelled. However, train movement on the downline was later restored.

Panel formed to probe IGI canopy crash: Govt to Delhi HC

NEW DELHI: In response to a Delhi High Court notice over the canopy collapse incident at Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Centre on Monday informed the court that a high-level committee has been established to probe the incident. A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela on Monday was apprised that the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has included experts from IIT Delhi in the committee. During the hearing, the Centre also emphasised its commitment to addressing similar incidents at airports in Jabalpur and Rajkot. Acknowledging the broader implications, the government told the court that it has mandated all airport operators nationwide to conduct third-party audits of airport infrastructure through reputable institutions like the IIT. This directive includes a comprehensive annual evaluation of civil, electrical, and technical aspects of airport buildings prior to the monsoon season. The high court was informed that a FIR has been lodged over the alleged negligence that led to the tragedy. The information was presented in response to a PIL seeking a Special Investigation Team or CBI probe into the recent airport mishaps. With the governments detailed response and proactive measures, the high court has decided to close the PIL, acknowledging the steps taken to enhance airport safety.

After roof collapse at Delhi airport, Centre says third-party audits to be held at airports nationwide

NEW DELHI: In response to the tragic roof collapse at Terminal 1 of Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, the central government has informed the Delhi High Court that a high-level committee has been established to investigate the incident. The collapse, which occurred on June 27 during heavy rainfall, resulted in one fatality and eight injuries. A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela on Monday was apprised that the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has included experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in the committee. During the hearing on Monday, the government emphasised its commitment to addressing the incident and similar occurrences at airports in Jabalpur and Rajkot. Acknowledging the broader implications, the government told the court that it has mandated all airport operators nationwide to conduct third-party audits of airport infrastructure through reputable institutions like IIT. This directive includes a comprehensive annual evaluation of civil, electrical and technical aspects of airport buildings prior to the monsoon season. The court was informed that a First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged, addressing the negligence that led to the fatal incident. The information was presented in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the recent airport mishaps. The PIL, prompted by the sequence of roof collapses due to heavy rainfall, highlighted concerns about the structural integrity of airport buildings across the country. With the government's detailed response and proactive measures, the Delhi High Court has decided to close the PIL, acknowledging the steps taken to enhance airport safety and prevent future incidents.

All airport operators to conduct third party audit of structural stability of buildings

Following roof collapse incidents at three airports, the government has instructed airport operators to conduct third party audits for structural stability. An expert committee from IIT Delhi will assess the incident at Delhi airport. Investigations are ongoing for incidents at Jabalpur and Rajkot airports. Expenditure on Repair and Maintenance activities has increased at Airports Authority of India.

Airport operators to conduct 3rd party audit of structural stability: Govt

The government on Monday said all airport operators have been directed to carry out a third party audit of structural stability of airport buildings and associated infrastructure. Besides, they will conduct a thorough evaluation of all civil, electrical and technical aspects of the buildings before the onset of monsoon every year. The directives came in the wake of roof collapse incidents at three airports last month. During heavy rain, forecourt canopy collapsed at Terminal 1D of the Delhi airport on June 28. Also, the kerb area canopy made of tensile fabric, a non-structural element, was damaged at Jabalpur and Rajkot airports on June 27 and 29, respectively. In 2023-24, an amount of Rs 795.72 crore has been spent on Repair and Maintenance (R&M) works at 121 airports of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), as per official data submitted to the Rajya Sabha on Monday. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu told the Upper House that the ministry has constituted a ...

Gujarat reports 13 new suspected Chandipura virus cases, 5 fatalities

Gujarat on Sunday reported 13 fresh suspected Chandipura virus cases and five fatalities, the state health department said. With the latest additions, the tally of the confirmed and suspected infections in the state has gone up to 84 so far, while the death toll climbed to 32. New suspected cases were reported from Ahmedabad (2 infections), Aravalli (2), Banaskantha (2), Surendranagar (1), Gandhinagar (1), Kheda (1), Mehsana (1), Narmada (1), Vadodara (1) and Rajkot (1). Among five suspected deaths due to Chandipura virus, one each was reported from Mahisagar, Kheda, and Vadodara, and two from Banaskantha, the state health department said in a statement. The government has initiated several measures to control the viral infection transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, as per the statement. Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) on Saturday confirmed nine cases of Chandipura virus from Gujarat. On Sunday, no new confirmed cases were reported in the

NEET City-wise result data shows 3.5% students scoring above 600, petitioners say not disclosing roll numbers against spirit of SC order

NTA's NEET UG 2024 results for 23 lakh students competing for 1 lakh MBBS seats showed high scores in Sikar, Kota, Rajkot, invoking Supreme Court scrutiny. Petitioners allege NTA's partial compliance with centre-wise results' publication. Over 100 centres saw anomalies, including 81,000 scoring above 600 marks, amid a Bihar paper leak probe.

NEET-UG Results: Rajkot, Sikar centers' extraordinary results raises a stink

Over 75 NEET-UG candidates from each centre in Rajasthan's Sikar have scored above 600 marks with the number going upto 150 at few centres.

37 of the 50 top-scoring NEET centres are clustered in Rajasthans Sikar district

Petitioners demand CBI probe be extended to centres in cities, States with large clusters of high-scoring candidates; centres in Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Rewari, Mahendragarh have unusual numbers of high-scorers

NEET-UG results: Over 240 at Rajkot centre get above 600 marks, one perfect 720 - Moneycontrol

NEET-UG results: Over 240 at Rajkot centre get above 600 marks, one perfect 720 Moneycontrol

NEET-UG results: Over 240 at Rajkot centre get above 600 marks, one perfect 720

New Delhi: Over 240 NEET-UG candidates who appeared for the medical entrance test at a centre in Gujarat's Rajkot have scored more than 600 marks, with 11 of them getting 700 and above, and one a perfect 720. The figures are according to an analysis of the centre-wise results published on Saturday by the National Testing Agency, which is under the scanner for alleged irregularities in the conduct of the exam, including paper leak. Among the candidates who appeared for the NEET-UG at the Rajkot-based School of Engineering, RK University, test centre, 12 scored 700 and above -- one got 720, two got 710, four got 705, one got 704, one got 701 and three scored 700. More than 240 aspirants who took the exam at the centre scored more than 600 marks. Of them, the score of 148 candidates was above 650 but below 700. Gujarat, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Haryana are among the states from where the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested people, including students, parents and members of 'paper solver' gangs, in connection with the alleged leak of the question paper of the May 5 NEET-UG exam. In Rajasthan's Sikar, more than 150 candidates from a centre have scored above 600 marks but below 700. The marks of 83 from another centre in Sikar was also above 600 but below 700. Forty-five candidates of the Model School centre in Haryana' Rohtak scored more than 600 marks, while among those who took the NEET-UG in Lucknow's SDSN Mahavidyalaya centre, more than 45 scored above 600. The scores of these students at these centres was below the 700-mark. Also, no NEET-UG candidate has scored above 682 in the revised results for the Hardayal Public School centre in Haryana's Jhajjar that was under the scanner after six aspirants who took the medical entrance exam there on May 5 got 720 out of 720. The scores were revised after a retest was ordered by the Supreme Court following allegations of inflation of marks due to grace being awarded. Only 13 candidates of the centre managed to score more than 600 marks, according to the centre-wise results. The results of the May 5 exam, which were initially announced on June 5, have been published in this centre-wise format following an order of the top court. The court is hearing several petitions about the alleged irregularities in the conduct of the test on May 5 at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 cities abroad, for more than 24 lakh candidates. The top court had ordered that the results be announced while masking the identities of aspirants. It had said it wanted to ascertain whether candidates appearing at allegedly tainted centres secured more marks than those writing the exam elsewhere. The court will resume hearing the arguments in the matter on July 22 on a batch of pleas seeking cancellation, re-test and a court-monitored probe into the allegations of malpractice in the prestigious exam.

Suspected Chandipura virus cases reach 29 in Gujarat, death toll hits 15

AHMEDABAD: Suspected cases of the Chandipura virus in Gujarat have climbed to 29 as of Thursday, with the death toll reaching 15. Among the fatalities are three children in Rajkot, two in Ahmedabad, and one in Panchmahal district. The infection, initially confined to rural areas, has spread to Ahmedabad and now affects 13 districts across the state, intensifying concerns. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a meeting on Thursday to review the measures being taken to control the increasing Chandipura virus cases. During the meeting with Health Minister Rishikesh Patel and senior officials, Municipal Commissioners, Collectors, District Development Officers, and Chief District Health Officers provided operational updates via video conference. Death toll of children in Gujarat from suspected Chandipura virus reaches nine Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel informed the media in Gandhinagar, Currently, 29 suspected cases of Chandipura have been reported in Gujarat, with 15 children having died from the suspected virus. The Gujarat government sent seven samples to a laboratory in Pune for testing, and one of them tested positive for Chandipura virus. Patel clarified, This is not an infectious disease; there is no need for fear, just caution. The Health Department has issued an advisory and is taking every precautionary measure across all districts. Additionally, the government has set up facilities in Gandhinagar for rapid testing of this disease. Two more children die of suspected Chandipura virus in Gujarat; death toll reaches eight Three suspected cases have been reported in Ahmedabad city. Two of the three children admitted to Asarwa Civil Hospital have died from the suspected virus. A one-year-old girl, originally from Rajasthan and residing in Sardarnagar, has passed away. Another girl from Arbudanagar in Chandlodia died during treatment at the Civil Hospital. Meanwhile, a five-year-old child from Saijpur's Premnagar is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital, as is an 11-year-old girl from Noblenagar. In Rajkot district, the Chandipura virus has claimed the lives of five children. A child from Morbi, admitted on July 12, succumbed on July 14. A two-year-old child from Hadmatia in Paddhari died on July 15, along with an eight-year-old child from Jeetpur. A thirteen-year-old boy from Madhya Pradesh passed away on July 16, followed by the death of a three-year-old child on July 17. Additionally, two suspected cases of the Chandipura virus have been reported in Dhrol and Jamjodhpur in Jamnagar district. Both children are currently receiving treatment in the hospital for the infection.. Gujarat: Four kids die due to suspected Chandipura virus infection; two under treatment

Strengthening of local governments crucial in realizing Sustainable Development Goals: CAG

RAJKOT, July 18: Strengthening of local governments is crucial in realizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering grassroot engagement, and nurturing citizen ownership and accountability, Comptroller and Auditor General of India Girish Chandra Murmu said on Thursday. Local governments are key allies in global development efforts, essential for crafting and executing policies effectively, he said after inauguration of the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) here. They (local governments) operate at the grassroot level, promoting economic growth while addressing [] The post Strengthening of local governments crucial in realizing Sustainable Development Goals: CAG appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Chandipura virus: Death toll rises to 15 as the virus spreads in more districts in Gujarat

In Gujarat, cases of Chandipura infection have been reported from Sabarkantha, Aravali, Mehsana, Rajkot, Ahmedabad city, Morbi, Panchmahal, et al

Gujarat Reports First Fatality Due to Chandipura Virus As Niv Confirms Infection Behind Girls Death

Ahmedabad : Of the eight fatalities in Gujarat due to suspected Chandipura virus so far, a four-year-old girl succumbed to the infection as confirmed by the National Institute of Virology (NIV), making it the first such fatality in the state, a health official said. So far, 14 suspected Chandipura virus infection cases have been reported in Gujarat. Of them, eight patients have died. All their samples were sent to the Pune-based NIV for confirmation, state Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said. The sample of a four-year-old girl from Aravalli's Mota Kanthariya village, who died at the civil hospital at Himatnagar in Sabarkantha district, has tested positive for Chandipura virus. This is the first death due to Chandipura virus infection in the state, Sabarkantha Chief District Health Officer (CDHO) Raj Sutariya said. The samples of three others from Sabarkantha district that were sent to the NIV have tested negative for the infection. Of them, one patient has died while two others have recovered, he said. The suspected Chandipura virus infection cases have been reported from Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Mehsana and Rajkot districts, Minister Patel said. Two patients from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh have also been treated in the state hospitals, he said. Health screening of more than 44,000 people has been conducted across 26 residential zones in the affected areas as a precautionary measure, he said. Chandipura virus causes fever, with symptoms similar to flu, and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. The 2003-2004 outbreaks in Central India witnessed case fatality rates ranging from 56-75 per cent in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat with typical encephalitic symptoms.

Two more children die of suspected Chandipura virus in Gujarat; death toll reaches eight

AHMEDABAD: Two more children died of suspected Chandipura virus infection in Gujarat on Tuesday, taking the number of fatalities recorded in the state so far to eight, Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said. With this, the number of persons infected from the virus has gone up to 14, and eight of them have died, he told reporters in state capital Gandhinagar. Cases have been reported from Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Kheda, Mehsana and Rajkot districts, the minister said. Three cases from the neighbouring states - two from Rajasthan and one from Madhya Pradesh - have also been treated in Gujarat hospitals, Patel said. Of the two patients from Rajasthan, one has died, he said. Patel said the state health department has undertaken intensive surveillance of the affected districts, and special advisory has been issued to community and primary health centres and sub-district hospitals as well as medical colleges to treat suspected cases with certain symptoms as Chandipura virus cases. Mortality rate in the disease is high and it is difficult for a patient to survive if there is a delay in getting treatment, he said. Screening of over 44,000 people has been conducted at 8,600 houses from across 26 residential zones as a precautionary measure, he said. Two patients from Sabarkantha district, three from Aravalli, one from Mahisagar and Rajkot districts each, and one from Rajasthan are among those who have died so far while being treated in the hospitals, the minister added. The first four suspected cases were reported in the civil hospital at Himatnagar in Sabarkantha district. The blood samples of the patients have been sent to Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) for confirmation and the results are awaited. Chandipura virus causes fever, with symptoms similar to flu, and acute encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The pathogen is a member of the Vesiculovirus genus of the family Rhabdoviridae. It is transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies. The 2003-2004 outbreaks in central India witnessed case fatality rates ranging from 56-75 per cent in Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat with typical encephalitic symptoms.

Gujarat MLA Mevani accuses state government of targeting Congress voters

AHMEDABAD: Congress Leader and MLA Jignesh Mevani claimed that voters who supported Congress are being unfairly targeted, with their shops facing demolition in the Gir Somnath District. He said that the shop of the voters who supported Congress is facing demolition and also further alleged that two specific castes are being victimized. Following Rahul Gandhi's announcement of the Gujarat victory in the upcoming Assembly Election, the Congress leader has ramped up his activities in the state. For some time, Gujarat Congress leaders have been pressuring the government on various issues. The Gujarat Congress leader and MLA has been consistently voicing his opposition to the government. Mevani has accused the government of political corruption related to demolitions in the Gir Somnath District and further alleged that voters who supported the Congress were being unfairly targeted. He also claimed that the Ahir and Dalit communities are being specifically targeted in Gir Somnath, with their hotels, houses, and Pan Shops being demolished. He further alleged that a former MPs shrimp farm is operating illegally on the road from Kodinar to Una, challenging the government to demolish the numerous illegal structures owned by Dinu Bogha Solanki if they have the courage to do so. Mevani Claimed Gir Somanth Districtss Kodinar Assembly Congress candidate Mahesh Makwana has been unjustly arrested at the behest of BJP. Following Makwanas complaint, authorities proceeded to raid the office of the BJP leader. Mevani also brought up concerns about the employees working in circuit houses in Gujarat. He claimed that employees in circuit houses throughout the state were not receiving minimum wages. Additionally, he alleged that managers and supervisors at the Rajkot Circuit House were abusing workers who demanded fair wages. Mevani stated that the contractual employees at circuit houses are being exploited by being paid only Rs 8,000 instead of the minimum of Rs 12,000. He alleged that a scam involving crores is taking place and mentioned that he has informed government officials about this.

Cholera Outbreak In India: 2 Cases Reported From Gujarat And Kerala, Know The Symptoms

Two cases of cholera was reported from the states of Kerala and Gujarat. An area of 2-kilometre radius has been declared as cholera-affected area in Rajkot.

Gujarat: Repeat of Mumbai hit-and-run in Rajkot, 60-year-old woman dies, dragged for 1.5 km; accused absconding | Today News - Mint

Gujarat: Repeat of Mumbai hit-and-run in Rajkot, 60-year-old woman dies, dragged for 1.5 km; accused absconding | Today News Mint

Speeding car hits and kills elderly ragpicker, drags her for over 2 km in Rajkot - The Indian Express

Speeding car hits and kills elderly ragpicker, drags her for over 2 km in Rajkot The Indian Express

A Peep Into APs Population Estimation Challenges on World Population Day

Visakhapatnam: Bustling port city Visakhapatnam celebrated World Population Day on Thursday with a series of events aimed at raising awareness about population issues and the dynamics of population change. While the current worlds population is 8.12 billion, India accounts for 1.44 billion to this number. Professor Muni Swamy, a demographer, shared his insights in a conversation with Deccan Chronicle . He highlighted the complexities of population estimation in Andhra Pradesh, a state that has undergone multiple bifurcations, making it challenging to maintain precise population records. The last official census was conducted in 2011 when AP included Telangana. Professor Swamy pointed out that the population of Andhra Pradesh is witnessing an upward trend, leading to significant challenges. Increased population pressures can strain education systems, economic activities, food production, water resources, healthcare, power, and fossil fuels, he explained. He pointed out that India is already facing a water crisis, with cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Vadodara, Srinagar, and Rajkot experiencing severe shortages in 2024. If the population continues to grow unchecked, more cities will face similar problems, he stated. The demographer underlined that Visakhapatnam is the smallest district of AP. In terms of area at 1,048 km, it is the most densely populated in the state with 1,670 people per km. In contrast, Alluri Sitharama Raju district has a density of 77 people per km. Andhra Pradesh also boasts of varying literacy rates. West Godavari leads with 74.63 per cent literacy, while Vizianagaram trails at 58.89 per cent. Vizianagaram has the highest male-female sex ratio (1019), while Anantapur has the lowest (977). Prakasam district, covering 14,322 km, is the largest district in Andhra Pradesh, while Potti Sriramulu Nellore District is the most populated, with 2.469 million residents as per the 2011 census. Parvathipuram Manyam, with a population of 925,000, is the least populated district, followed closely by Alluri Sitharama Raju (953,960) and Bapatla (1,586,918). With regard to Visakhapatnam, Professor Swamy said the population within the metro area of Visakhapatnam in 2024 is 2,385,000, reflecting a 2.32 per cent increase compared to the 2023 population of 2,331,000. This, in turn, marks a 2.33 per cent rise over the 2022 population of 2,278,000, a 2.34 per cent increase over the 2021 population of 2,226,000, a 2.34 per cent increase from 2020.

Rajkot fire victims kin threaten march if no justice in 6 months

AHMEDABAD: After meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the families of the victims of the Rajkot TRP game zone fire met Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Wednesday. After the meeting, the families declared that if we do not get justice within six months, we will organise a foot march across Gujarat. Gandhi visited the families on Saturday, pledging to voice their concerns in Parliament. Gujarat High Court questions state report on Rajkot TRP game zone fire During their meeting with the CM, the victims families made several demands including a probe monitored by a committee of retired judges, speedy trial and a compensation of Rs 50 lakh per family. As many as 27 people, including four children, were killed in the massive fire that swept through TRP Game Zone, a recreation facility, in Rajkot city on May 25. It was allegedly being run by a private firm without the mandatory no objection certificate of the fire department. Gujarat government spokesperson and minister Rishikesh Patel told the media, The Chief Minister and Home Minister have met the families of the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire victims and assured them that no party responsible will be spared. A family member of a fire victim said that while the CM and Home Minister claimed to stand by them, the government refused to provide a written guarantee when requested. After a month and a half of this tragedy, we were called in to be told they are with us. We feel this is just a reassurance tactic. We have informed the government that we will wait six months for justice. If they fail, we will stage a foot march from Rajkot to CM House in Gandhinagar, the victims family member said in a media interview. Rajkot game zone blaze toll rises to 28; FIR says amusement centre had no fire department NOC The government says they have suspended the officials responsible for the incident, but they should be dismissed. We have submitted demand to the government, he said. Demands for Rs 50 lakh compensation During their meeting with the CM, the victims families made several demands including a probe monitored by a committee of retired judges, speedy trial and a compensation of Rs 50 lakh per family. 27 people, including four children, were killed in a massive fire on May 25.

Following Rahul Gandhi's visit, Gujarat CM meets families of Rajkot fire victims month after the incident

AHMEDABAD: The political landscape surrounding the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire tragedy has intensified. Following the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's visit, the families of the victims who died in the fire were on Wednesday called for a meeting with the Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar. Following their meeting, the disappointed families declared that if they do not receive justice within six months, they will organize a foot march across Gujarat. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had on July 6 visited the bereaved families and pledged to voice their concerns in the Parliament. Following this and the discussions surrounding Gandhi's visit, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel decided to meet the families on Wednesday, for the first time, one and a half months after the incident. The meeting lasted for approximately one and a half hours, during which the Chief Minister listened to the families' grievances and offered his condolences. Chief Minister Patel assured the families that all responsible parties would be held accountable and that no one culpable would escape. Gujarat High Court questions state report on Rajkot TRP game zone fire Gujarat Government Spokesperson and Minister Rishikesh Patel told the media, The chief minister and home minister have met with the families of the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire victims and assured them that no responsible party will be spared. However one of the family members pointed out that while the chief minister and home minister claimed to stand by them, the government refused to provide a written guarantee when requested. The victims' families have submitted a memorandum of 12 demands before the government. The chief minister and the government claim that they support us, but it would be better if they agree to meet our demands. After a month and a half of this tragedy, we were called in to be told they are with us. We feel this is just a reassurance tactic. We have informed the government that we will wait six months for justice. If they fail, we will stage a foot march from Rajkot to the chief minister's residence in Gandhinagar, one of the family members told media after the meeting. The family members said that the government action against some officials responsible for the fire is not enough as they have been suspended and not dismissed. Meanwhile, the meeting that happened immediately after Rahul Gandhi's visit has raised speculations regarding the intent of the government. The move is been seen by many as a preemptive measure to prevent the issue from being politicized, considering that this is the first time the chief minister is meeting with the victims. After the meeting with Rahul Gandhi, Santoshben Kathad, who lost her younger sister Asha Kathad to the fire had said, We invited Rahul Gandhi to join our planned protest because we have no faith in the investigation. Gandhi assured me that he will stand by us until we get justice and promised to raise this issue in Parliament. A massive fire erupted at the game zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on May 25, resulting in the loss of 27 lives including that of four children. 100-page SIT report on Rajkot TRP game zone fire unveils widespread departmental negligence

Rohit Sharma to captain India in CT and WTC: BCCI Secretary Shah confirms

New Delhi: T20 World Cup-winning skipper Rohit Sharma will continue to lead India in the ODI and Test formats BCCI secretary Jay Shah said on Sunday, exuding confidence that the country will win next year's Champions Trophy and World Test Championship under his captaincy. The 37-year-old Rohit, who became the third Indian captain after legendary Kapil Dev and Mahendra Singh Dhoni to win a global trophy, has announced his retirement from the T20 format. The next stage is the WTC final and the Champions Trophy. I have full faith in Rohit Sharma's captaincy, that we will be the champions in both these tournaments, secretary Shah said in a video message. The Champions Trophy, scheduled in Pakistan next year, will be held after eight years (since 2017 in UK), and even though the draft schedule has been submitted to the ICC, the BCCI hasn't yet given its green light to it. It is understood BCCI will again push for the 'Hybrid Model' like 2023 ODI Asia Cup where India played all its matches, including the ones against Pakistan, in Sri Lanka. Shah's message, in a way, has put to rest speculations about whether Rohit would quit leadership role in other formats. Till Rohit calls it quits, India will once again have split captaincy with Rohit leading in ODIs and Tests while Hardik Pandya is expected to take charge of the T20 outfit. Rohit had also led India to the finals of the WTC and ODI World Cup last year, where India lost the summit clash after winning 10 straight games. Shah dedicated India's T20 World Cup triumph to the three cricketers, who quit the format after the title victory and outgoing coach Rahul Dravid. I want to dedicate this victory to coach Rahul Dravid, captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja. This was our third final in the last year. We lost the WTC final in June, 2023. In November, 2023 we won hearts after 10 wins but couldn't win the Cup. I had said in Rajkot that we will win the heart and also the Cup on June 24 and install our national flag, and our captain installed the Indian flag, the secretary said. Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja are expected to comeback for the ODI series against Sri Lanka slated for August. India will play six ODIs - three against Sri Lanka in an away series and three at home against England in early February before the Champions Trophy.

Ahmedabad Diary: Attempts to stop victims from meeting Rahul

Attempts to stop victims from meeting Rahul Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi met the family members of the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire victims in Ahmedabad on Saturday. However, sources claim that the ruling party attempted to create obstacles to prevent the bereaved families from meeting Rahul. According to sources, some BJP leaders met with the victims and promised that if they refrained from going to Ahmedabad to meet the LoP, they would arrange a meeting with the Gujarat CM and help them obtain justice. They also said that some BJP leaders called up the families to convince them that the Congress was merely playing politics. However, they still went. Suspense mounts over name of state BJP chief On Friday, the president of Gujarat BJP publicly announced his willingness to step down from his role, indicating a successor will soon be appointed for the post. According to rumours, the new state BJP president may be named within the next 10 to 15 days. Speculation arose after Purnesh Modi, the present BJP in-charge for Union Territories Diu-Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli, was removed from his position, suggesting he might be one of the choices for the chair of the Gujarat BJP president. Other leaders being considered include Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary. Congress gunning for win in Gujarat? The BJP appears to have taken Rahul Gandhis comment in the Lok Sabha about winning in the Gujarat Assembly very seriously; this became evident when Rahuls remark became a major talking point at the recent BJP Brihad Karobari (extended executive) meeting in Gujarat. According to one of the leaders, BJP state general secretary Ratnakar addressed party leaders, stating, Congress won only one Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat, and now they think they will win the state. We need to unite and respond to this. Notably, the Congress won a Lok Sabha seat in Gujarat after ten years, despite a crushing defeat in the 2022 polls. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@newindianexpress.com

Rahul Gandhi Promises Justice for Gujarat Tragedy Victims

Ahmedabad : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday met the family members of those who lost their lives in various tragedies in Gujarat in recent years, and promised to raise their grievances in Parliament. Relatives of the victims of the TRP game zone fire in Rajkot, a boat capsizing incident in Vadodara, the Morbi bridge collapse of 2022 and the 2016 Una Dalit flogging case met the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha at the Gujarat Congress headquarters in Paldi area here. Rahul Gandhi interacted with the family members of victims, understood their issues, and promised that he will raise them in Parliament so that justice is done, said Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani who coordinated the interaction. Narendra Parmar, who lost his ten-year-old daughter in the Morbi bridge collapse, said they have lost faith in the corrupt system in the BJP-ruled Gujarat. I told Gandhi that all the key accused are out on bail and court proceedings are going on at a very slow pace. We have lost our faith in this corrupt system. Even the company's MD is out on bail, he said. Gandhi promised us that he will take up our cause and raise the issue in Parliament so that we get justice at the earliest, Parmar told PTI. As many as 135 persons died after a British-era suspension bridge over Machchhu river in Morbi town collapsed on October 30, 2022. The bridge was maintained by Oreva Group. The company's CMD Jaysukh Patel was granted bail in March this year. Sandhya Nizama, who lost her nine-year-old son in a boat capsize incident in Vadodara, alleged justice was not done because the many culprits were let off by the police. Though police arrested some persons, many key people who were responsible for this tragedy are still roaming free. No action was taken against the school management who took our children for this trip. Officials are also misleading the court. Gandhi has promised that he will raise our issue in the Lok Sabha, said Nizama. Twelve school students and two teachers were killed when a boat capsized in Motnath lake in Harni area of Vadodara city on January 18. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation had awarded the contract to maintain and operate the lakefront project to Kotia Projects, whose partners were subsequently arrested. Santoshben Kathad, who lost her younger sister Asha Kathad in the Rajkot game zone fire, said they did not trust the probe being conducted by the state government. We invited Rahul Gandhi to join the stir we are planning to launch because we have no faith in the investigation. Gandhi told me he will remain by our side till we get justice. He also promised to raise this issue in Parliament, said Kathad. As many as 27 persons including four children were killed in the massive fire that swept through the game zone in Nana-Mava locality of Rajkot city on May 25. Asha Kathad was one of the employees who was charred to death as she was trapped inside. Vashram Sarvaiya, one of the four Dalits who were flogged by cow vigilantes in July 2016 at a village near Una town, complained that the government failed to fulfil the promises made by then chief minister Anandiben Patel. Patel had promised us jobs as per the qualification. She had also promised a fast-track court for a speedy trial. But no promise was kept. All the 40-odd accused are out on bail, Sarvaiya said.

Rahul on Guj visit; to address party workers, meet Rajkot fire victims' kin

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be on a visit to Ahmedabad city in Gujarat on Saturday, where he will address party workers, a leader said. Gandhi will also meet the family members of those who lost their lives in various tragedies in Gujarat in the recent past, including the Rajkot game zone fire, the boat capsize incident in Vadodara and Morbi bridge collapse. The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha is visiting Gujarat days after BJP and Congress workers clashed outside the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) office here over alleged anti-Hindu remarks made by Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. Following the clash, complaints were lodged against each other by both sides and FIRs were registered, leading to the arrest of five Congress workers. Talking to reporters on Friday, Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil said Gandhi will also meet the family members of those five Congress workers who are currently in police custody. Rahul Gandhi will arrive at the GPCC office

Rahul Gandhi to address party workers & meet Rajkot fire victims kin

Ahmedabad: Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be on a visit to Ahmedabad city in Gujarat on Saturday, where he will address party workers, a leader said. Gandhi will also meet the family members of those who lost their lives in various tragedies in Gujarat in the recent past, including the Rajkot game zone fire, Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Rahul Gandhi to be on Gujarat visit; to address party workers and meet Rajkot fire victims' kin

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Saturday to address party workers and meet families affected by recent tragedies, including the Rajkot game zone fire, boat capsize in Vadodara, and Morbi bridge collapse. His visit comes amidst tensions following clashes between BJP and Congress workers over alleged remarks by Gandhi. Complaints and FIRs have been filed, leading to the arrest of five Congress workers. Gandhi will also meet the families of these arrested workers during his visit to the Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee office in Paldi.

Rahul Gandhi In Gujarat Today To Meet Rajkot Fire Victims' Families

Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will visit Ahmedabad city in Gujarat on Saturday, where he will address party workers, a party leader said.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to meet Rajkot fire victims' kin, address party workers inGujarattoday

Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil confirmed Gandhi's itinerary, stating, Rahul Gandhi will arrive at the GPCC office around 12:30 PM.

Rahul Gandhi to visit Gujarat on July 6; to address party workers and meet Rajkot fire victims' kin

Rahul Gandhi visits Ahmedabad, addressing Congress workers and meeting victims' families. His visit follows the July 2 BJP-Congress clash over anti-Hindu remarks in Lok Sabha, injuring an Assistant Commissioner of Police. Ellisbridge police filed twin FIRs leading to arrests. Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil confirmed Gandhis visit to the GPCC office, where stone pelting occurred, and detainees are under remand.

Gujarat HC asks why illegal building in Rajkot game zone was not demolished for a year

Demolition order proves that officials knew the structure was illegal, the Chief Justice said

Why demolition order against Rajkot game zone wasn't executed for a year: HC raps Gujarat govt

Ahmedabad: The Gujarat High Court on Thursday again rebuked the state government over the Rajkot game zone fire that killed 27 persons in May, wondering why a demolition order against the illegal structure was not executed for nearly a year. The censure came in response to an affidavit submitted to the division bench of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi that has been hearing a suo motu PIL (public interest litigation) it had taken up on May 26, a day after the tragedy. The Gujarat government on Thursday also submitted its fact-finding inquiry report in a sealed cover to the HC on the TRP game zone blaze in Rajkot. The bench last month had expressed displeasure over the investigation into the fire and ordered a fact-finding inquiry to uncover how the illegal game zone had come up and what roles officials played in it. This had prompted the Gujarat government to appoint a fact-finding committee comprising IAS officers Manisha Chandra (Commissioner of Rural Development), P Swaroop (Commissioner of Land Reforms) and Rajkumar Beniwal (Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Gujarat Maritime Board). While going through the state's affidavit on Thursday, the chief justice said though the officials of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) were aware that the TRP game zone was illegal, no action was taken against it despite a demolition order being served to the management in June 2023. A demolition order was issued by the RMC. One year has passed since then (till the fire incident). Why was it not executed? Where is the answer? That demolition order proves that officials knew that the structure was illegal, the CJ said. When Advocate General Kamal Trivedi pointed out that the present Municipal Commissioner has already suspended RMC's Town Planning Officer (TPO) and an Assistant TPO for negligence, Chief Justice Agarwal said it was not enough. Taking action against a few people will not help you. The working (style) has to be revisited. There are loopholes and lapses which need to be taken care of. You cannot put this state in this situation. It is very serious that such incidents are happening, noted the chief justice. The bench also expressed displeasure over the state government's submission that the then Rajkot municipal commissioner was unaware of the illegal structure because TPO and his office were dealing with the matter and the demolition notice was sent by TPO, not the civic chief. You can't say that this was not brought to my notice. It's not an excuse. Even I can't say that. I have to take responsibility for everything, good or bad. This should be the approach of the head of an institution, the CJ said. Since a report from the state government-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT) is still pending, the court has asked Trivedi to submit it as well as an Action Taken Report on July 25, when the matter will be heard next. Twenty-seven persons, including four children, were killed in the massive fire that swept through the game zone in the Nana-Mava locality of Rajkot city on May 25. A probe revealed that the game zone was running without any no objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department of the RMC.

Gujarat High Court questions state report on Rajkot TRP game zone fire

AHMEDABAD: The government-appointed fact-finding committee submitted its report on the Rajkot TRP game zone fire accident to the Gujarat High Court today in a sealed cover. The High Court raised questions about the state government's report, questioning why no action was taken against the TRP game zone despite a closure notice being issued after the fire incident a year ago. The court emphasized that the game zone continued to operate unlawfully and that the Municipal Commissioner cannot evade responsibility. Today, the Gujarat High Court heard the suo motu cognizance of the Rajkot TRP game zone fire, during which the government-appointed fact-finding committee presented its report. Rajkot game zone fire: Two civic staffers arrested for tampering with documents Brijesh Trivedi, president of the Gujarat High Court Association, told the media, The court highlighted that the fire incident at the same game zone occurred in September 2023. Although the fire department was notified, the blaze was extinguished before their arrival, resulting in no damage. Despite being aware of the incident, the fire department did not verify if the venue had the necessary permits. The court also demanded an explanation for the lack of action taken against the game zone at that time. Trivedi added, In a significant court observation about the Municipal Commissioner, the court said even if delegated powers under Section 260/A are granted, the Municipal Commissioner cannot evade responsibility for this incident and has demanded a detailed explanation from the government. 24 dead in massive fire at game zone in Gujarat's Rajkot The court criticized the state government for the vacancies in Gujarat's fire department, stating that the shortage of staff and the presence of unqualified personnel have compromised citizens' right to safety. Advocate Brijesh Trivedi told the media, There is no clarity regarding the number of positions in the fire department. You intend to keep everyone on contract, placing all the responsibility on lower-level staff. Additionally, you are not ensuring that department heads are properly qualified. A petition addressing this issue has also been filed in court. It is important to note that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed for the Rajkot TRP game zone fire incident recorded statements from former Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargav and former Municipal Corporation (RMC) official Anand Patel on June 3. A massive fire erupted at the game zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, on May 25, resulting in the loss of 27 lives. Investigations reveal that the blaze was sparked by a welding machine, with the sparks igniting highly flammable materials stored on the premises.

Avenue Supermarts Q1 results: Revenue rises 18.4% to Rs 13,712 crore

Avenue Supermarts Ltd, which owns and operates the retail chain D-Mart, has reported an 18.36 per cent increase in standalone revenue from operations to Rs 13,711.87 crore for the June quarter. The company had a revenue from operations of Rs 11,584.44 crore in the year-ago period, Avenue Supermarts informed the BSE in a regulatory filing on Tuesday. Standalone revenue from operations for the quarter ended (QE) June 30, stood at Rs 13,711.87 crore, Avenue Supermarts said. The total number of stores as of June 30 stood at 371. This also includes one store in Rajkot, Gujarat, which is temporarily closed for customers, it added. The Damani family-promoted company also added the standalone revenue from operations for QE June 30, 2024 given above is subject to limited review by the statutory auditors of the company. In the April-June quarter of FY23, Avenue Supermarts' standalone revenue was at Rs 9,806.89 crore. Promoted by Radhakishan Damani and his family, DMart retails basic ho

Avenue Supermarts' Q1 Revenue Rises 18%

The company operates a total of 371 stores as June 30, including one at Rajkot closed for customers.

After Delhi, part of canopy at Rajkot airport collapses

The accident, which comes days after similar incidents in Delhi and Jabalpur, gave the opposition Congress an opportunity to target the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.

Part Of Canopy Collapses At Rajkot Airport, No Injuries

In a post on X, the Rajkot airport authorities said that water accumulation was observed on the city side of the canopy at the terminal building at 11.40 a.m. due to heavy rains.

News18 Evening Digest: Kejriwal Sent To Judicial Custody Till July 12; 5 Army Personnel Killed In Ladakh Flashflood & Other Top Stories

We are also covering: Canopy At Rajkot Airport Terminal Collapses Amid Heavy Rain; Who is Prafull Billore? and Aspiring Civil Servant Caught In Dating App Honey Trap among other stories

After Delhi, part of canopy collapses at Rajkot Hirasar international airport amid heavy rain in Gujarat

The new greenfield airport was inaugurated by PM Modi in July 2023. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) built the new airport 25 km from Rajkot at Hirasar village

Canopy Collapses At Rajkot Airport Amid Heavy Rainfall

The incident occurred at the passenger pickup and drop area outside the Rajkot airport terminal.

After Delhi, Canopy At Rajkot Airport Terminal Collapses Amid Heavy Rain, None Injured

This incident comes just a day after a large section of the roof at the Terminal 1 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport collapsed after heavy rainfall killing one and injuring six people

Here are some interesting stats ahead of Ind-SA T20 WC final

Hyderabad: The Proteas making history has entered into a World Cup finals for the first time and are eager to taste title victory, while the men-in-blue are looking to end their 11 year ICC trophy drought after an unbeaten campaign in the on-going T20 World Cup. Both South Africa and India will go face-to-face in the finals on Saturday at the Kensington Oval stadium in Bridgetown, Barbados. While they both look confident, here are some stats of the teams. Head-to-head stats: In the last ten T20 International matches between India-South Africa, the blues have a slight edge as they won five, South Africa had given a tough fight by winning four, while one match did not get the result. Interestingly, eight of the last ten games between the two teams were played in India. However, in their last T20I encounter at Johannesburg, team India had registered a massive 106 run victory. The highest total in a T20 match between the two cricket biggies is 237/3 by India at Guwahati in 2022 and the lowest is the 87 by South Africa in Rajkot in 2022. Individual records: Most runs scored by a batsween in Ind vs SF T20 matches is South Africa's David Miller with 431 runs followed by Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav with 420 and 343 runs respectively. Highest score is jointly held by Miller and Rohit with 106 runs. Coming to bowling stats, B Kumar is the leading wicket takers in IND-SA T20i clashes with 14 wickets followed by Ashwin and Ngidi with 11 and 10 wickets respectively. Key players: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma vs Rabada The Indian captain had played in 15 innings against Rabada and scored 90 runs and was dismissed four times, while Kohli scored 52 runs in 13 innings and got dismissed four times facing the pacer in T20Is. Kohli and Rohit vs Nortje Kohli scored 35 runs in 8 innings and dismissed 2 times facing Nortje, while Rohit scored 60 runs in 7 innings and dismissed twice by Proteas fast bowler. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma for team India and De cock for South Africa are the leading run-scorers for both teams in the T20 WOrld Cup 2024. Whereas, Arshadeep Singh and Nortje are the leading wicket takers.

Fascinating insights from Indian Lok Sabha Elections: Constituencies with marvelous stories

The by-polls of 1963 witnessed the first experiment in opposition unity insofar as the opposition parties of that time (Swatantra, BJS, Socialist, et al) came together to put up a combined candidate against the INC in four places Amroha, Rajkot, Farrukhabad and Jaunpur constituencies. They won three and lost Jaunpur. I picked Jaunpur as the headline for this was the first and last election that Deen Dayal Upadhyay ever contested

Congress observes 'Rajkot bandh' to mark one month of TRP game zone fire

AHMEDABAD: The main markets in Rajkot appeared deserted, with numerous establishments remaining closed on Tuesday as the city observed a bandh to mark one month since the tragic fire at a game zone that claimed 27 lives, including children. In support of the 'Rajkot bandh' called by the opposition Congress, schools, colleges, tuition centres, gold and jewellery markets, and other commercial establishments were shut. The bandh aimed to demand higher compensation for the families of the deceased, justice for the victims' families, and a thorough investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) established by the state government. Several commercial associations backed the Congress' bandh call by announcing the closure of their businesses for the day. Police personnel were deployed across various locations in the city, and patrolling was intensified to prevent any untoward incidents as part of the security arrangements. Closed shops during the bandh. Meanwhile, clashes erupted between Congress workers and police on Kalavad Road in Rajkot. As Congress workers protested on the road, they clashed with the police, leading to the detention of several protesters. Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani, state party president Shaktisinh Gohil, and other local leaders visited various areas in Rajkot to express their gratitude to business owners for their support in making the bandh successful. Gohil accused the government, stating, Even after a month, the government has not reached out to the victims with sympathy or asked how they can help. This is not the way democracy should function. Rajkot game zone fire: Gujarat HC asks govt inaction over suspending senior officials Family members of the victims had also endorsed the bandh. Some relatives of those who died in the fire tragedy engaged in a video conference with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on June 22. In response to the incident, the state government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Additional Director General of Police Subhash Trivedi to ascertain the causes of the fire, identify system loopholes, and recommend preventive measures for the future. A total of 15 individuals, including five game zone owners and several senior officials from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC), have been arrested in connection with the fire tragedy . Police investigations revealed that the game zone operated without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the RMC's fire department.

Rajkot Remembers Fire Tragedy with Citywide Bandh

Rajkot, Gujarat came to a standstill as the city marked one month since the tragic fire incident that claimed 27 lives. The bustling main markets wore a deserted look as schools, colleges, and businesses shut down in solidarity with the victims. The fire, which engulfed a gaming zone on May 25, prompted the opposition Congress party to call for a 'Rajkot bandh,' demanding higher compensation and justice for the families affected. Several commercial associations supported the bandh by closing their establishments for the day. To maintain law and order, extensive police deployment and heightened patrolling were implemented throughout the city. Congress leaders, including MLA Jignesh Mevani and state president Shaktisinh Gohil, expressed appreciation to the business community for their solidarity. Meanwhile, family members of the victims actively participated in the bandh, sharing their grievances with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi via video conference. The state government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) remains actively involved in investigating the incident, having apprehended 15 individuals thus far. On June 15, Congress activists staged a protest outside the city police commissioner's office, stressing the urgency of justice and systemic reforms. India's e-Rupee Faces Uphill Battle as Daily Transactions Drop Celebrating Water Heroes: Electrosteel Jal Sevak Samman 2024 Recognizes Champions of Water Conservation BJP Criticizes Congress on 49th Anniversary of 1975 Emergency

IMD issues red alert for parts of Gujarat; very heavy rain expected until June 28

AHMEDABAD: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several coastal districts in Gujarat, forecasting heavy to very heavy rains on Monday. The bulletin anticipates intense rainfall across various districts over the next five days, from June 24 to 28, with the rest of the state expected to receive light to moderate rain. IMD issued red alert for Valsad, Jamnagar, Dwarka, as well as Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli. An Orange Alert has been issued for Junagadh, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gir Somnath, Diu, Surat, Tapi, Navsari, and Dang. Meanwhile, Aravalli, Mahisagar, Chhota Udepur, Bharuch, Narmada, Rajkot, Porbandar, and Botad are under a yellow warning for heavy rain until the morning of June 25. On Monday, heavy rains inundated Jamnagar district, causing significant disruption. A school bus became stranded when the local bridge in Mulia village of Kalavad taluka in Jamnagar was washed away. Due to the quick actions of the villagers and the sarpanch of Mulia village, the school children and bus occupants were safely transported across the bridge, as the water flow was not dangerously high. For the second consecutive day, the river in Mulia village has flooded the rural areas of Kalavad city and taluka. The vigilant sarpanch and villagers prevented the bus from crossing the swollen river, ensuring the safety of all on board. On Sunday, in South Gujarat's Jhagadia taluka, one person lost his life after being struck by a falling tree. In a separate incident, a tree collapsed, seriously injuring two men. The injured, Deepak Revadas Vasava and Ramesh Ishwar Vasava were transported to the hospital via the 108 ambulance service. Sadly, Ramesh Vasava, 50, succumbed to his injuries during treatment, while Deepak Vasava remains under medical care. According to unofficial data, 130 talukas in Gujarat received rainfall over the past 24 hours. Mendarda recorded the highest rainfall at three and a half inches. Khambhaliya received three inches, while Sankheda and Talala each saw two and a half inches. Botad, Palitana, Lodhika, and Savarkundla each received two inches of rain. Additionally, Tankara, Walia, Bodeli, Mangrol, Netrang, Malia Hatina, Paddhari, Chuda, Jetpur-Pavi, and Kwant each recorded one and a half inches of rainfall.

Ahmedabad Diary | Wont forgive those who caused trouble: BJP MP

Amid ever-escalating tensions among Gujarat BJP leaders, BJP MLA Bhagwan Barde recently organized a felicitation event at Prachi in the Junagadh district. BJP MP Rajesh Chudasma issued a grim warning directed at his adversaries;I will not forgive those who have caused me trouble over the past five years, the parliamentarian snarled. Chudasma also hit out at the protesters, asserting, Regardless of BJPs actions, I will ensure that those who have wronged me during these five years face consequences. Tensions arose when the saffron party nominated Rajesh Chudasma as the Lok Sabha candidate from the Junagadh seat, prompting significant dissent. BJP-backed candidates snubbed in local polls The internal strife among Gujarat BJP leaders has indeed reached its zenith. Recent tensions arose when the BJP-endorsed candidates suffered defeats in the Jambusar agro-produce market committee elections in Gujarat. The widely-discussed polls saw Vanrajsinh Mori, son of former minister Chhatrasinh Mori, contesting and defeating BJPs champion Bhupendrasinh Rathore for the chairman post of Jambusar Khatiwadi Utpann Bazar Samiti in Bharuch district. Rathore, supported by the saffron party, secured only 4 votes while Mori clinched victory with 15 votes. SIT report on Rajkot fire: Gujarat CM meets PM Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visited Delhi on Saturday following the submission of the SIT report on the Rajkot game zone fire tragedy. He held a meeting with the Prime Minister, which reportedly lasted over an hour according to sources. Patel shared a photo of the meeting on his official social media handle, which showed him holding a folder with tagged papers. This sparked speculation among political commentators in Gujarat who suggested that the discussions may have included the course of action against corrupt officials linked to the game-zone fire that claimed 27 lives, mostly children, and the alleged 2,000 crore land issue in Surat. Dilip Singh Kshatriya Our correspondent in Gujarat dilipsingh@ newindianexpress.com

Gujarat: Students in Rajkot hold protest against re-examination of NEET-UG

Gujarat: Students in Rajkot hold protest against re-examination of NEET-UG Students in Rajkot, Gujarat, held a protest against the re-examination of the NEET-UG examination on Sunday.Gujarat: A NEET-UG candidate, Palak, said, I have scored 682 marks in the NEET-UG exams. There should be no re-NEET exams, as we have scored these marks with hard work and dedication. The students who have scored below 600 marks are demanding for re-NEET. After a gap of 1.5 months, it won't be possible to score well again. It is like playing with our future. The NEET-UG 2024 exam was conducted on May 5 and its results were declared on June 4, ahead of its scheduled announcement date of June 14 A row erupted after allegations of irregularities and paper leaks surfaced. The results showed that as many as 67 students had topped the exam with a perfect score of 720. The Supreme Court allowed a re-test of over 1,500 students who were awarded grace marks. Amid the ongoing protests across several states over the postponement of NEET exams, the Centre has taken proactive steps, including the removal of the DG of the National Testing Agency and the formation of a high-level committee of experts to ensure transparency in the examinations. The government has shunted out National Testing Agency (NTA) DG Subodh Kumar Singh. He is placed on 'compulsory wait' in DoPT. Pradeep Singh Kharola has been appointed as the new DG of the NTA. The Ministry of Education has constituted a high-level committee of experts under the chairmanship of Dr K Radhakrishnan, former chairman of ISRO, IIT Kanpur, to ensure transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations. The Committee consists of experts, including Dr Randeep Guleria, former Director, AIIMS and academicians like Aditya Mittal and Prof. Ramamurthy K from the IIT system who have spearheaded reforms to ensure the integrity of the IIT examinations. On input from the I4C unit of the Ministry of Home Affairs about the UGC-NET 2024 examination, the Education Ministry handed over the case to the CBI for a detailed inquiry. The CBI has also handed over the investigation of alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) Examination 2024 for a comprehensive investigation. The government has assured the strictest possible action against anyone found to be involved in any irregularity relating to the NEET (UG) 2024 Examination. (ANI)

2 fire officers among 3 more held for Rajkot arcade blaze

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

The News Mill

Gujarat game zone blaze: Rajkot chief fire officer, deputy CFO arrested

The Rajkot Municipal Corporation's chief fire officer and deputy CFO were arrested on Saturday in connection with the massive blaze at a game zone here on May 25, which resulted in the deaths of 27 persons, including children. CFO Ilesh Kher and Deputy CFO Bhikha Theba as well as Mahesh Rathod, who was the supervisor of the fabrication work going on at the ill-fated TRP Game Zone, were arrested, the official said. Theba is already in jail in connection with a corruption case and his custody was taken through a transfer warrant. With this, we have so far arrested 15 persons in connection with the blaze, he said. Kher was accused of not inquiring about whether the unit possessed a valid fire NOC certificate as well as proper fire fighting equipment after a similar blaze broke out during welding work at TRP game zone on September 4 last year, a statement from the police said. Rathod was held for alleged negligence in his duty and not ensuring proper safety during the welding work, .

Rajkot Fire Officials Arrested For Blazing Corruption Scandal

Rajkot Fire Officials Arrested For Blazing Corruption Scandal In a significant development, the Chief Fire Officer Ilesh Kher and Deputy CFO Bhikha Theba of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation were arrested on Saturday. The arrests are in connection with the tragic blaze at the TRP Game Zone on May 25, which tragically claimed 27 lives, including several children. Another arrested individual, Mahesh Rathod, had supervised the fabrication work at the ill-fated Game Zone. The authorities disclosed that Theba was already incarcerated on related corruption charges, and his custody was obtained via a transfer warrant. This brings the total number of arrests to 15 in connection with the fire incident. The accusations against Kher include not verifying if the unit had a valid fire NOC certificate or adequate firefighting equipment. Rathod faces charges of negligence in his supervisory duties, particularly in ensuring safety during welding work. Additionally, Town Planning Officer MD Sagathia, currently suspended and facing disproportionate assets charges, was also apprehended earlier. The detained individuals are booked under Indian Penal Code sections, including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, causing grievous hurt, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. Investigations revealed that the game zone was operating without a no-objection certificate from the fire department, further compounding the tragedy.

Rahul Gandhi interacts with Rajkot fire victims' kin virtually; says Congress is with them

RAJKOT: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday interacted with the relatives of some of the victims of last month's TRP game zone fire incident in Rajkot city of Gujarat via video conferencing, and said his party was with them, party sources said. Twenty seven persons, including four children, were killed in the massive fire that swept through the game zone in Nana-Mava locality of Rajkot city on May 25. Gandhi interacted with the family members and relatives of some of the victims who were charred to death in the tragedy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with the family members of some of the victims of the game zone fire incident via video conferencing from Pathik Ashram here on Saturday afternoon. The meeting went on for nearly half-an-hour. He expressed condolences and said the party is with them, a party source said. 100-page SIT report on Rajkot TRP game zone fire unveils widespread departmental negligence Congress' Gujarat unit president Shaktisinh Gohil was with Gandhi in Delhi, while Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and party leader Lalji Desai, among others, were present with the victims' relatives on the occasion, he added. Meanwhile, the Congress has called for 'Rajkot Bandh' on June 25, when the incident completes one month. The party is pressing for a host of demands from the BJP government, including higher compensation to the kin of the victims. On Saturday, the kin of the victims joined Congress workers to make an appeal to the people, especially shopkeepers, to support the one-day bandh call given by the party by downing their shutters on that day. On June 15, Congress party workers had organised a protest outside the city police commissioner's office. Newly-elected Congress Member of Parliament Geni Thakor also joined the protest. In the probe conducted by the police into the devastating fire, it was found that the game zone was running without a no objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation. Following the incident, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under Trivedi to find out the causes of fire, loopholes in the system and to suggest steps to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. So far, police have arrested five owners of the game zone and six government officials in connection with the fire. Rajkot game zone fire: Two civic staffers arrested for tampering with documents

Rahul Gandhi interacts with Rajkot fire victims' kin; says Cong with them

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday interacted with the relatives of some of the victims of last month's TRP game zone fire incident in Rajkot city of Gujarat via video conferencing, and said his party was with them, party sources said. Twenty seven persons, including four children, were killed in the massive fire that swept through the game zone in Nana-Mava locality of Rajkot city on May 25. Gandhi interacted with the family members and relatives of some of the victims who were charred to death in the tragedy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with the family members of some of the victims of the game zone fire incident via video conferencing from Pathik Ashram here on Saturday afternoon. The meeting went on for nearly half-an-hour. He expressed condolences and said the party is with them, a party source said. Congress' Gujarat unit president Shaktisinh Gohil was with Gandhi in Delhi, while Gujarat Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and party leader Lalji Desai, among ...

SIT calls for tweaks in Gujarat Police Act after Rajkot inferno

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Rajkot TRP Gaming Zone Inferno case has recommended amendments to section 33 of the Gujarat Police Act. The 100-page interim report highlighted negligence by police, RMC, and R&B officials in adhering to regulations after a fire claimed 27 lives on May 25.

100-page SIT report on Rajkot TRP game zone fire unveils widespread departmental negligence

AHMEDABAD: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Rajkot TRP Game Zone tragedy submitted its report to the government on Friday. A meeting with Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi and the SIT members, led by Additional DGP Subhash Trivedi, is scheduled for Friday. The 100-page report is expected to contain several startling findings, including the involvement of prominent figures. The Special Investigation Team submitted the preliminary report on the fire within 72 hours, but it took 672 hours to submit the final report. However, while sources believe that top officials may evade accountability, Government Official said no one would be spared. Subhash Trivedi, head of the SIT in Gandhinagar, stated, The negligence of various departments has been uncovered. Four IAS officers and one IPS officer have been questioned. Following the tragedy, the causes of the incident have been identified. A 100-page report has been prepared and submitted to the government. Additional investigation is ongoing. We have already questioned four IAS and one IPS officer who had visited the game zone in the past and got themselves clicked there. These officers told the SIT they went there with their family members in March 2022 to celebrate the birthday of one of the officers. It was not the opening event of the game zone as is being claimed, said Trivedi. Trivedi added, Investigations are ongoing in the Fire Department, License Department, Police Department, and R&D Department. Evidence of petrol used for go-karting at the game zone has been traced back to various petrol pumps. Administrative sources revealed that a fact-finding committee comprising three IAS officers, formed under the direction of the Gujarat High Court, is expected to submit its report within four to five days. According to these sources, the report indicates that the Rajkot TRP game zone, despite lacking a fire NOC, was allowed to operate due to Some influence. The SIT report highlights the absence of an emergency exit and the storage of fuel beyond the permitted level for go-karting vehicles. According sources, the SIT report has revealed that the Corporation's Town Planning Department and Fire Department have taken no action against the illegal gaming zone, which has been operating for the past three years. The officials have consistently turned a blind eye to the situation. Despite commercial activities taking place on land which was designated for residential use, no measures were implemented to address the issue. Additionally, the Corporation's Town Planning Officer and Engineer have ignored the illegal construction. Furthermore, the fire department officials never conducted a single inspection, highlighting their clear negligence. As many as 27 persons, including children, were charred to death in a massive fire which gutted the entire facility on May 25. A subsequent investigation by police revealed the game zone was running without a no objection certificate (NOC) from the fire department of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation. Following the incident, the state government formed an SIT under Trivedi to find out the causes of fire, loopholes in the system and to suggest steps to be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Probe ordered after dead frog found in wafer packet in Gujarats Jamnagar

Balaji Wafers is a leading food and snacks manufacturer in Rajkot and is famous for ready-to-eat snacks

Gujarat HC Slams Unsafe Public Amusement Places Following Tragic Incidents

Gujarat HC Slams Unsafe Public Amusement Places Following Tragic Incidents The Gujarat High Court wielded its authority by reprimanding municipal commissioners for a series of safety oversights that have rendered public amusement places unsafe. The court cited the Morbi suspension bridge collapse, Rajkot game zone fire, and Vadodara boat tragedy as stark examples of such neglect. In a directive issued by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi, the state government has been called upon to investigate the municipal corporations' functioning. This order, dated June 13 and available on June 16, seeks to address the 'dereliction of duties.' Highlighting the severity, the court noted that these recurrent tragedies have endangered human lives due to municipal commissioners' failure to act responsibly. The court's directive mandates a comprehensive inquiry to ensure accountability for these failures, stressing that all negligent officers be held to account.

Three-member panel to submit report on Rajkot fire tragedy by June 30

Rajkot, June 17 (IANS) The Gujarat government has formed a three-member committee to probe the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire tragedy that killed 28 people, including children, on May 25. This committee members Manisha Chandra, P. Swarup, and Rajkumar Beniwal have been tasked with submitting a detailed report to Ashwini Kumar, Principal Secretary []

Game zone fire: Rajkot civic staffers forged documents

The civic officials were involved in making forged entries in the inward register on May 26, a day after the incident, pertaining to the impact plan of the TRP game zone. The entry was shown as having been made on May 4, 2024, the police said.

Rajkot Game Zone Tragedy: Civic Employees Forged Documents to Evade Arrest

Rajkot Game Zone Tragedy: Civic Employees Forged Documents to Evade Arrest In a startling development, civic employees in Rajkot, implicated in a devastating fire that claimed 27 lives, have been accused of conspiring to forge documents and backdate entries to obliterate evidence and avoid arrest, a police investigation revealed. The tragic incident transpired on May 25 at Gujarat's TRP game zone. Six employees associated with the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) have been detained so far. The probe suggests that these officials conspired to post-date an impact plan for the affected area a day following the disaster. This was allegedly done to eliminate evidence, according to an application presented to Additional Judicial Magistrate B P Thakar on Friday by the investigating officer. On May 26, a day subsequent to the fire, the accused falsified entries in the inward register dated May 4, 2024, concerning the impact plan of the game zone, the police noted. Intent on erasing the trail, the individuals replaced the old register with a fabricated one and concocted a backdated query letter. The court has sanctioned the invocation of multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code against the arrested RMC staff, stemming from charges of forgery, destruction of evidence, and criminal conspiracy.

2 More Arrests In Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire That Killed 27

Two employees of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) have been arrested for allegedly making certain changes in documents pertaining to a game zone after a fire there last month claimed 27 lives, police said on Sunday.

Rajkot game zone fire: 2 civic officials arrested for 'forging' documents

Rajkot game zone fire civic officials arrested for forging documents

Rajkot fire tragedy: 2 civic staffers held for tampering with documents

Rajkot: Two employees of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) have been arrested for allegedly making certain changes in documents pertaining to a game zone after a fire there last month claimed 27 lives, police said on Sunday. With this, 12 persons, including six government employees, have been arrested in connection with the May 25 incident Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Rajkot game zone fire: 2 civic staffers held for tampering with documents

Two Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) employees were arrested for altering documents related to the TRP game zone, where a fire last month claimed 27 lives. This brings the total arrests to 12, including six government officials. Assistant Town Planning Officer Rajesh Makwana and Assistant Engineer Jaideep Chaudhary are accused of forging records post-incident. The fire, which lacked a No Objection Certificate from the fire department, led to the sealing of several game zones and recreation hubs across Gujarat.

Rajkot game zone fire: Two civic staffers held for tampering with documents

Two employees of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) have been arrested for allegedly making certain changes in documents pertaining to a game zone after a fire there last month claimed 27 lives, police said on Sunday. With this, 12 persons, including six government employees, have so been arrested in connection with the May 25 incident at the TRP game zone in Gujarat's Rajkot city, they said The city crime branch on Saturday arrested RMC's assistant town planning officer Rajesh Makwana and assistant engineer Jaideep Chaudhary for their alleged involvement in making changes in an official register after the fire incident, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Crime, Parthrajsinh Gohil said. They made certain changes in government documents related to the TRP game zone after the fire incident. They also forged documents, he said. So far we have arrested six government employees and six other persons in connection with the TRP game zone fire, Gohil said. The four government employee

Rajkot Game Zone Fire: Two RMC Employees Arrested for Document Tampering

Rajkot Game Zone Fire: Two RMC Employees Arrested for Document Tampering In Rajkot, two employees of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) have been detained for allegedly tampering with documents regarding a game zone where a fire last month claimed 27 lives, law enforcement officials reported on Sunday. This incident brings the total number of arrests related to the case to twelve, including six government employees. Deputy Commissioner of Police for Crime, Parthrajsinh Gohil, noted that the city crime branch apprehended RMC's assistant town planning officer Rajesh Makwana and assistant engineer Jaideep Chaudhary for allegedly altering official records post the fire incident. Gohil stated, They made modifications to government documents related to the TRP game zone after the fire. They also engaged in document forgery. The arrests include figures such as Town Planning Officer M D Sagathia, assistant TPOs Mukesh Makwana and Gautam Joshi, and former station officer of Kalavad Road fire station Rohit Vigora. A co-owner of the game zone and its manager have also been implicated in the case.

Kshatriyas ire: Rupala says no reason for missing berth

AHMEDABAD: Days after being dropped from the Union cabinet, Rajkot BJP MP Parshottam Rupala on Friday said there are no specific reasons for him not being given a ministerial post. Rupala, who had stirred a hornets nest with his alleged derogatory comments on the Kshatriya community during the Gujarat Lok Sabha polls, made the statement during a media interaction -- first after the oath taking ceremony of the Modi 3.0 cabinet. There are no specific reasons for giving or not giving a ministerial position; it is the prerogative of the party and the Prime Minister. Whatever decision they have taken is right, he said amid ongoing debates surrounding his removal due to the Kshatriya movement. All the decisions made regarding my position, including this one, have been welcomed by me, he added. In the wake of his alleged derogatory remarks, Rupala faced widespread protests from the community demanding his replacement as the Rajkot candidate. A seasoned politician with three terms in the Rajya Sabha, Rupala served in various ministerial roles.

Days after Rajkot fire, game zone co-owner held; arrests in case rise to 10

Police have arrested a co-owner of the Rajkot game zone, where a fire claimed 27 lives last month, taking the number of arrests in the case to ten, an official said on Friday. Ashoksinh Jadeja, one of the six owners of the TRP game zone, surrendered before the police on Thursday evening, the official said. Jadeja, who owns the land on which the game zone had come up, had been absconding after a fire devastated the recreation facility on May 25 in Gujarat's Rajkot city. Rajkot Police Commissioner Brajesh Kumar Jha confirmed on Friday that Jadeja is in the custody of the crime branch after his surrender. Earlier, police had arrested five co-owners and a manager of the game zone. They also took into custody four government officials, including Rajkot's Town Planning Officer (TPO) M D Sagathia, assistant TPOs Mukesh Makwana and Gautam Joshi, and former station officer of Kalavad Road fire station Rohit Vigora. During the probe, it was confirmed that one of the co-owners, Prakash Hiran

Rajkot fire: Game zone co-owner held, arrests in case rise to 10

Earlier, police had arrested five co-owners and a manager of the game zone. They also took into custody four government officials, including Rajkot's Town Planning Officer (TPO) M D Sagathia, assistant TPOs Mukesh Makwana and Gautam Joshi, and former station officer of Kalavad Road fire station Rohit Vigora. During the probe, it was confirmed that one of the co-owners, Prakash Hiran, had died in the fire.

Again, Gujarat govt & civic officials come under HC fire over Rajkot fire

AHMEDABAD: For a second time in a month, the Gujarat High Court came down heavily on the state government on Thursday over the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire incident that killed 27 people, including children, on May 25. Presided over by Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, a two-judge bench in a suo motu hearing remarked, Why does the government cover a contractor in such incidents? Municipal commissioners are sleeping. The High Court characterized the fire as exceptionally catastrophic in comparison to other recent incidents. The bench warned that officers would be held accountable, emphasing that negligence would not be tolerated. The High Court remarked, Why does the government shield the contractor in these cases? Municipal commissioners are neglecting their duties, which lead to these accidents. From now onwards, no municipal commissioner will be given another chance, observed the court. The incident may seem minor to you, but now you will not be able to protect the officers, the judges stated. The court highlighted similar tragedies in Morbi and Harni, questioning why the government consistently protected its contractors. The court condemned the municipal commissioner, attributing the frequent accidents to the negligence and inaction of municipal officials. The High Court has asked the government to submit a final fact-finding report by June 16. The court instructed the government to reveal the fire safety measures implemented statewide in the educational sector, including comprehensive fire safety assessment in district and urban divisions. The fire at TRP Game Zone, a gaming arcade in Rajkot, killed 27 people. Investigations have revealed that the arcade was operating without a fire licence. In a previous hearing, the court assailed the civic body and the state government after it became known that the gaming arcade that caught fire was not the only one to be running without a fire licence. In Rajkot two other gaming zones were operating for over two years without permits, including fire safety certificates. The court was hearing a petition that claimed that the fire safety Act, as directed by the SC, is not followed in the state. The petition also claimed that there was laxity in the investigation. After the Rajkot fire incident, the state came up with draft rules to ensure safety at recreation facilities. Fix accountability, no compromise with human lives: CM Patel Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel confronted government officials during a public event on the Rajkot fire incident and emphasised accountability. We have to think about where we made a mistake. When it comes to human life, there should be no compromise. Patel presented a cheque for Rs 2,111 crore for the development of various civic bodies. He questioned why some corporations failed to utilize allocated funds. He said a delay in approvals resulted in financial loss.

Set up fact-finding panel on Rajkot fire tragedy, HC tells Gujarat govt.

The court hit out at municipal commissioners, accusing them of massive negligence in the fire incident, which occurred last month in which 27 people were charred to death

Municipal Commissioners Are Sleeping: Gujarat High Court On Rajkot Fire

Municipal Commissioners have been accused of massive negligence by the Gujarat High Court, which was holding a hearing on last month's fire incident in Rajkot today.

Gujarat govt introduces new safety rules to prevent Rajkot gaming zone-like fire incidents

Ahmedabad, June 13 (IANS) The Gujarat government on Wednesday announced new safety measures to prevent incidents like the Rajkot gaming zone fire incident, in which at least 27 people were killed. Gujarat Cabinet Minister Rushikesh Patel announced the launch of The Gujarat Amusement Rides and Gaming Zone Activities (Safety) Rules-2024 by the Home Department, aimed []

Gujarat makes draft rules for gaming zones, seeks public suggestions

In the wake of the deadly fire at a game zone in Rajkot which claimed 27 lives last month, the Gujarat government on Wednesday came out with draft rules which seek to ensure safety at such recreation facilities. The objective behind the proposed 'The Gujarat Amusement Rides and Gaming Zone Activities (Safety) Rules-2024' is to ensure that such tragedies do not take place again, said health minister and government spokesperson Rishikesh Patel. The draft rules were uploaded on the state home department's website so that people can submit suggestions or objections, Patel told reporters in Gandhinagar after the first meeting of the state cabinet following the Lok Sabha elections. Suggestions can be submitted by June 25 to the home department's email ID 'home@gujarat.gov.in'. Under section 33 of the Gujarat Police Act, 1951, the Commissioner of Police and District Magistrates have the authority to frame rules in this regard. The final rules will be notified after getting necessary ...

Gujarat Government Unveils Safety Rules Post Rajkot Fire Tragedy

Gujarat Government Unveils Safety Rules Post Rajkot Fire Tragedy In response to the tragic fire at Rajkot's TRP Game Zone that claimed 27 lives last month, the Gujarat government announced draft safety rules for recreation facilities on Wednesday. The proposed 'The Gujarat Amusement Rides and Gaming Zone Activities (Safety) Rules-2024' aim to prevent such incidents in the future, according to health minister and government spokesperson Rishikesh Patel. The draft rules have been posted on the state home department's website for public input, Patel informed reporters in Gandhinagar after the first state cabinet meeting following the Lok Sabha elections. Citizens can submit suggestions or objections to 'home@gujarat.gov.in' until June 25. Under section 33 of the Gujarat Police Act, 1951, the Police Commissioner and District Magistrates have the authority to establish regulations on this matter. The final rules will be issued after receiving the requisite approvals, Patel added. Regarding the Rajkot fire, the BJP-led state government is determined to hold those responsible accountable, pending inquiries by both local police and a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Action will be taken against guilty parties, including senior officials and elected representatives if necessary.

Kshatriya stir in Gujarat cost BJP seats in UP & Rajasthan

AHMEDABAD: This Lok Sabha election has been no less than a boomerang for Rajkot BJP MP Parshottam Rupala; his comment on the Kshatriya community ignited agitation in Gujarat midstream polls. Another effect was unpredictable: While the Gujarat BJP did not suffer losses, there were setbacks in neighbouring states for the party, sources said. Post-polls, speculation intensified that Rupala was excluded from the Modi team-III owing to his gratuitous remark. Rupala comes from the powerful Patidar community. Sources said Porbandar party MP Mansukh Mandaviya he too belongs to the Patidar community has been repeated to prevent the community from turning against the party in Gujarat following Rupalas exclusion. The strength of Gujarat MPs in the Modi government has come down to six, one less than in Modis second term. A three-term Rajya Sabha member, Rupala served as a minister in Modis previous governments. From 2016 to 2021, he was the Union minister of state for agriculture, farmers welfare, and panchayati raj, and from July 2021, he rose to become the Union minister of fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying. Sources said the Kshatriya movement against Rupala also angered the community in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The result was that what seemed to be an easy victory for the party in the two states turned into defeat in many constituencies. Patidar votes are decisive in Gujarat, crucial as they are in more than 10 of the states 26 seats. Perhaps thats why the BJP did not replace Rupala midway the election campaign. Some BJP leaders felt that Patidar votes would be lost if the BJP replaced Rupala, said a state BJP leader. Probably BJP did not expect this outpouring of Kshatryia angst outside the state. Rupalas exclusion from the Modi cabinet is aimed at assuaging the hurt in the community and stem any further damage in the state, he added. Not only Rupala but Devu Singh Chauhan also has been dropped from Team Modi 3.0. Sources say he is likely to be given a more prominent position within the Gujarat BJP organization. Belonging to the OBC Kshatriya community, Chauhans appointment could address the communitys resentment against the Gujarat BJP. Sources suggest that if Devu Singh is made the state party chief, it could stabilize the party.

After being hit by controversy during poll campaign, BJP's Parshottam Rupala dropped from Union Cabinet

AHMEDABAD: BJP MP from Rajkot Purushottam Rupala, who became embroiled in controversy during the Lok Sabha poll campaign due to a remark that angered the Kshatriya community, has been dropped from the Union Cabinet. A three-term Rajya Sabha member, Rupala served as a minister in both of Modi's previous governments. From 2016 to 2021, he was the Union Minister of State for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Panchayati Raj, and from July 2021, he was the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying. The number of Gujarat MPs in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third government has decreased to six, down from seven in the second term. Modi Cabinet 3.0: 37 ministers from outgoing govt dropped; Irani, Thakur, Rane, Rupala among prominent names Votes of the Patidar community are decisive in Gujarat, and Patidar votes are crucial in more than 10 of Gujarat's 26 seats. Perhaps that's why the BJP did not replace Rupala at election time. Some BJP leaders were of the view that Patidar votes would be lost if the BJP replaced Rupala, said a leader on condition of anonymity. Not only has Rupala been dropped, but another minister from Gujarat in the previous NDA government -- Union Minister of State for Telecom Devu Singh Chauhan -- has also been excluded from Modi 3.0. However, sources claim Chauhan is likely to be given a more prominent position within the Gujarat BJP organisation. Belonging to the OBC Kshatriya community, this could address the community's resentment against the Gujarat BJP.

Modi's Third Term Sees Reduced Representation from Gujarat

Modi's Third Term Sees Reduced Representation from Gujarat The representation of Gujarat MPs in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third government has declined, now numbering six compared to seven in the second term. Notable ministers Amit Shah, Mansukh Mandaviya, and S Jaishankar took their oath for the second consecutive time on Sunday. New entrants are state BJP chief and Navsari MP CR Paatil, party president and Rajya Sabha member JP Nadda, and Bhavnagar MP Nimuben Bambhaniya. Shah and Mandaviya are from the Lok Sabha, while Jaishankar represents the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat. Rajkot MP Parshottam Rupala, a previous minister embroiled in controversy over remarks that agitated the Khastriya/Rajput community, was dropped this time around. Rupala, a three-term Rajya Sabha member, served in various ministerial roles in earlier Modi administrations. Similarly, Kheda MP Devusinh Chauhan and Mahendra Munjpara, who served as MoS for communication and women and child development respectively, were excluded. Darshana Jardosh, the former MoS for railways and textiles, also did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Modi Cabinet 3.0: 37 ministers from outgoing govt dropped; Irani, Thakur, Rane, Rupala among prominent names

NEW DELHI: As many as 37 ministers have been dropped from the government in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term and these include seven with cabinet rank -- prominent among them being Smriti Irani, Anurag Thakur and Narayan Rane. Parshottam Rupala, Arjun Munda, RK Singh and Mahendra Natha Pandey, also held cabinet positions in the second Modi government but were not retained in the Council of Ministers that took oath on Sunday While all three Ministers with Independent Charge have been retained, out of 42 ministers of state, 30 have been dropped. Those who have not been repeated include VK Singh, Faggansingh Kulaste, Ashwini Choubey, Danve Raosaheb Dadarao, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Sanjeev Balyan, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Subhas Sarkar, Nisith Pramanik, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh and Pratima Bhoumik. Meenakshi Lekhi, Munjapara Mahendrabhai, Ajay Kumar Mishra, Kailash Choudhary, Kapil Moreshwar Patil, Bharati Pravin Pawar, Kaushal Kishore, Bhagwanth Khubha and V.Muraleedharan have also not been retained. Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, John Barla, Bishweswar Tudu, Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Devusinh Chauhan, Ajay Bhatt, A.Narayanaswamy, Som Parkash, Rameswar Teli and Darshana Vikram Jardosh have also not made it to the new Council of Ministers. Eighteen of the dropped ministers had lost the elections. L Murugan is the only Minister of State from the previous government who lost the election but has been retained. He is already a member of the Rajya Sabha. Bihar gets eight ministers in Modi govt 3.0 with eye on performance, caste equation Smriti Irani, a Cabinet Minister in both terms of the Modi government, lost the election from Amethi to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's aide Kishori Lal Sharma by a margin of over 1.69 lakh votes. Irani was HRD Minister and Textile Minister in the first term while she held Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs portfolios in Modi 2.0. Parshottam Rupala was the Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying in the previous government. Rupala, who found himself in the eye of a storm kicked off by his allegedly derogatory remarks about the Kshatriya community ahead of elections, eventually emerged unscathed as he won Gujarat's Rajkot Lok Sabha seat with a record margin of around five lakh votes. His deputy in the Fisheries Ministry, Sanjeev Kumar Balyan has also been dropped. Balyan, a two-time MP from Muzaffarnagar, lost the seat by over 24,000 votes this time. Anurag Thakur, who won for the fifth consecutive time from the Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency, held the dual charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in Modi 2.0. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of Heavy Industries, was seeking a hat-trick from Chandauli but lost to Samajwadi Party's Birendra Singh. Raj Kumar Singh, earlier the Union minister for power and renewable energy, lost the seat in Bihar's Arrah to CPI(ML)-Liberation's Sudama Prasad by 59,808 votes. Narayan Rane, who was the MSME Minister, wrested Ratnagiri- Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena in a prestige battle. Modi Cabinet 3.0: BJP tries to strike caste balance, inducts nine faces from Uttar Pradesh This is the first time the BJP has won a Parliamentary seat in the coastal Konkan region, a traditional stronghold of the Shiv Sena (Undivided). Former Maharashtra CM Rane joined the BJP in 2019 and was nominated to Rajya Sabha. This was his debut Lok Sabha election. Rajeev Chandrashekhar, who was the Minister of State for Skill Development, Electronics and IT and Jalshakti, lost the election from Thiruvananthapuram to sitting Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Today curtains down on my 18-year stint of public service of which 3 years I had the privilege to serve with PM @narendramodi ji's TeamModi2.0. I certainly didn't intend to end my 18 years of public service as a candidate who lost an election but that's how its turned out. My deepest thanks to all those I met, all those who supported me - and in particular all those karyakartas and leaders who so inspired and energized me. Thanks also to my colleagues in govt over last 3 years, Chandrashekhar wrote on X. Former Union minister of state for sport and youth affairs Nisith Pramanik lost the Cooch Behar seat in West Bengal to TMC's Jagadish Chandra Barma Basunia by 39,250 votes. Subhas Sarkar, who was MoS Education in the Modi 2.0 government, lost the Bankura seat to Trinamool Congress's Arup Chakraborty by 32,778 votes. Rajasthan Secures 4 ministers in Modi 3.0 Cabinet; LS Speaker Om Birla's future unclear

Five Gujarat MPs increase their wealth 100% in five years: Data

AHMEDABAD : Of the 26 MPs elected from Gujarat, 12 are set to represent their constituencies in the Lok Sabha for a second or subsequent term. Notably, five of the 12 have seen their wealth increase by more than 100% in 2024 compared to 2019. While 23 out of the 26 winning MPs are millionaires, five others have a criminal history. The number of millionaire MPs were 21 and 24 in 2014 and 2019 respectively. A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that the wealth of five Gujarat MPs has significantly increased by 112 to 273% over the past five years. Mansukh Vasava, a seven-time winning BJP MP from Bharuch, experienced the highest increase with his wealth soaring by 273%. In 2019, his assets were valued at ~68.35 lakh which have grown to ~2.54 crore this year, marking an increase of ~1.86 crore. Vasava attributes his income to his Lok Sabha salary, bank interest, and other sources. Jamnagar Woman MP Poonam Madam is the second highest wealth gainer, with her assets increasing by ~104 crore from 2019. According to the ADR report, her wealth rose from ~42.73 crore in 2019 to ~147.70 crore in 2024. While the wealth of many Gujarat BJP MPs is on the rise, that of party state president and Navsari MP C.R. Patil has experienced a decline. His wealth has decreased by 11% from 2019 to 2024. In 2019, Patils assets were valued at ~44.60 crore, but by 2024, they had dropped to ~39.49 crore, marking a reduction of ~5.11 crore. Additionally, criminal charges have been filed against five of them, including Gandhinagar MP Amit Shah, Junagadh MP Rajesh Chudasama, Rajkot MP Purushottam Rupala, Chhota Udaipur MP Jasu Rathwa, and Congress MP from Banaskantha Geniben Thakor. In 2024, criminal charges were registered against five out of the 26 winning candidates from Gujarat. This marks an increase from 2019, when four MPs had criminal records, but a decrease from 2014, when nine MPs had a criminal history. The ADR report said, 46% of the winning candidates (future MPs) in 2024 have a criminal history, with 31% facing serious charges. In comparison, the percentage of MPs with a criminal history was 43% in 2019, 34% in 2014, and 30% in 2009.

Pratham bags maiden mens title at Rajkot rankings

BILKULONLINE Gandhinagar, June 8: Vadodaras paddler Pratham Madlani came up with a superlative performance as he defeated Abhilash Raval 4-2 The post Pratham bags maiden mens title at Rajkot rankings appeared first on Bilkul Online .

Why no murder charge on civic body chief in Rajkot case: HC

Rajkot gaming arcade fire: a tragedy foretold

The blaze that gutted a multi-level recreation centre, killing 27 people, is the latest in a string of accidents in Gujarat over the past few yearsdue to a lack of stringent enforcement of building rules and safety norms. The mishaps highlight laxity of officials and alleged graft in the States local bodies.