Medal-Winning Policeman Dies on Duty at Surajkund Fair Ahead of March Retirement
The decorated policeman collapsed and died while deployed at the Surajkund fair, weeks before his scheduled retirement.
A senior police inspector and Police Medal awardee, Inspector Jagdish Prasad, has died after sustaining fatal injuries while rescuing people during a ride collapse at the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Fair in Faridabad on Saturday evening, officials confirmed. Prasad was just weeks away from retirement, having completed 36 years of service in the Haryana Police.
The incident occurred around 6 pm when a giant amusement ride known locally as the “tsunami swing” malfunctioned — tilting and then snapping mid-air while carrying fairgoers, before crashing to the ground. Eight to nineteen people were reportedly on the ride when it tilted and collapsed, triggering panic among visitors and prompting an immediate rescue response by police and bystanders.
Inspector Prasad, who was on duty overseeing the amusement area, reportedly rushed to assist those trapped in the wreckage. In the process of trying to clear the ride and evacuate riders, he suffered severe head and facial injuries and was later declared dead during treatment at a hospital.
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Prasad’s career began in 1989 when he joined the Haryana Armed Police, advancing to the rank of inspector and serving in various districts before his recent posting in Palwal. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Police Medal in 2020. At the time of his death, he was due to retire in March 2026. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son.
The collapse of the swing occurred roughly an hour after a gate at the fairground also gave way, injuring two people including a child, raising additional concerns about event safety. In total, at least 11–13 people were injured in the swing collapse and subsequent rescue operations; many were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In response to the tragedy, the Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal announced that Prasad would be accorded martyr status, and that a ₹1 crore compensation and a government job would be provided to his family. Authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the incident, including scrutiny of the ride’s installation and safety compliance, and promised action against those found responsible.
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