Faridabad: Inspector Jagdish Prasad, who died while rescuing people trapped on an electric swing that became unhinged and collapsed at Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Saturday, was just two months away from retirement.A native of Mathura, Prasad had been transferred from Sonipat to Palwal on Nov 25 last year. He was appointed station house officer of Chandhut police station a month later, before being relieved of the post for administrative reasons and sent to the police lines in Palwal on Jan 27, officials said.He was assigned duty at the Surajkund Mela on Jan 31 and placed in charge of the amusement rides area. On Saturday, when an electrical swing operating at the fair malfunctioned and tilted dangerously with several riders trapped, Prasad rushed to assist in the rescue.
Moments later, the structure collapsed completely, striking him and causing fatal head and facial injuries.His death has sent shockwaves through the police force and the mela administration. Colleagues described him as a committed officer who consistently put duty before personal safety. Haryana cabinet minister Arvind Sharma expressed grief over the incident. In a statement, he said Inspector Prasad “sacrificed his life while rescuing people trapped in the jhula” as it fell out of control, adding that orders had been issued for a thorough inquiry and that strict action would be taken against those responsible.Two women police personnel who were also injured during the rescue operation are undergoing treatment, officials said.
