The police have filed a charge sheet naming 15 accused in the May 25 fire at the Rajkot TRP Game Zone, two months after the fatal incident that took 27 lives. Filed on July 24, the charge sheet includes statements from 365 witnesses and other pieces of evidence; and runs into a lakh pages.

Thirty witnesses including eyewitnesses, employees, and individuals present during the creation of allegedly fake documents provided judicial confessions — statements made in the presence of a magistrate — under Section 164 of the CrPC. 

Statements from related government officials and the survivors of the fire have also been taken. 

15 accused 

Ashoksinh Jadeja

Chief Fire Officer Ilesh Khair

Dhaval Thakkar

Gautam Joshi

Jaydeep Chaudhary

Kiritsinh Jadeja

Mahesh Rathod

Mansukh Sagathiya

Mukesh Makwana

Nitin Lodha

Rahul Rathod

Rajesh Makwana

Rohit Vigora

Deputy Fire Officer Bhikhabhai Theba

Yuvrajsinh Solanki

12 charges 

IPC Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder)

IPC Section 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide)

IPC Sections 337 and 338 (causing hurt and grievous hurt by endangering life or personal safety)

IPC Section 36 (acting with knowledge)

IPC Sections 465, 466, 471, 474 (forgery and use of forged documents)

IPC Section 120B (criminal conspiracy)

IPC Section 201 (causing disappearance of evidence)

IPC Section 114 (abettor present when the offence is committed)

Key findings so far

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Parthrajsinh Gohil reported that the fire likely originated during welding work. The game zone’s extensive use of flammable materials, including plastic foam sheets and wood, contributed to the fire’s quick escalation within three to four minutes. The primary investigation has not pointed to the presence of any flammable liquids like petrol or diesel at the scene of the fire. 

In response to queries about the lack of action against BJP corporator Nitin Ramani, DCP Gohil said that the SIT had recorded Ramani’s statement and conducted an investigation into any potential crimes. He emphasised that the charge sheet was filed only after these steps were completed. Ramani had already admitted to recommending that the illegal game zone be legalised.

Investigations continue

A chartered accountant has been appointed to audit financial transactions related to the game zone management. This includes examining the dealings of Prakash Hiran, the main manager who perished in the fire.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the home department is conducting a separate investigation into the involvement of various government departments. The findings of this investigation will not be part of the criminal investigation team’s purview.

Four police inspectors have been suspended, with investigations continuing under section 173(8) to determine any criminal liability.

Former town-planning officer of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, Mansukh Sagathiya stands accused of failing to carry out a demolition order and engaging in fraudulent documentation.

The charge sheet represents a significant step in the legal proceedings following this tragic incident. As investigations continue, additional evidence may emerge, potentially leading to further actions or charges.

Also read:

K D Sagathiya, brother of suspended Rajkot TPO Mansukh Sagathiya, transferred

Suspended Rajkot TPO Mansukh Sagathiya admits to taking bribe from game zone operators