In a heartfelt plea for justice, the families of the Rajkot TRP Game Zone fire victims met with Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi assured them he would raise their concerns in Parliament. Following this meeting, the Gujarat government, in an unexpected move, invited the grieving families to visit Gandhinagar.
A month and a half after the tragedy, the state government’s sudden show of compassion has been met with skepticism. The government’s invitation to the victims to visit the Chief Minister’s residence appeared to be a political maneuver aimed at displaying empathy. The families, however, have lost hope in the ongoing investigation, which seems to be progressing at a snail’s pace.
The incident has also highlighted the perceived insensitivity of the state government. Despite Congress’s call for a bandh, which was widely successful, BJP legislators, municipal corporators, and officials have yet to visit the victims’ families. The families lament that no BJP official has visited their homes to offer condolences or support.
During his visit to Ahmedabad, Rahul Gandhi reassured the families of his commitment to fighting for justice. This encounter appeared to prompt the BJP government to remember the Rajkot fire’s victims suddenly. On July 10, the state government invited the families to Gandhinagar to hear their grievances at the Chief Minister’s residence. This abrupt display of sympathy was viewed with suspicion by many.
The victims’ families voiced their demands clearly: they sought the arrest of responsible BJP legislators, municipal corporators, and officials, as well as the seizure of assets of culpable IAS and IPS officers. They also called for a CBI investigation into the incident and the imposition of the death penalty for the accused.
The government’s response to these demands has been seen as inadequate and reluctant, unable to meet the expectations for accountability and justice. Despite the high court’s admonishments, the government appears to cover up rather than take decisive action.
When the fire occurred, the Chief Minister and Home Minister rushed to Rajkot, promising that no one would be spared. However, they quickly returned to Gandhinagar without addressing the victims’ concerns. Now, over a month later, the government’s sudden remembrance of the victims is viewed with skepticism and raises questions about the timing and sincerity of their actions.
In contrast, the Uttar Pradesh government swiftly acted in the Hathras case, producing a comprehensive report and taking strict action within a week. Meanwhile, the Rajkot fire victims have waited in vain for substantial progress. Despite four investigative committees being formed, no significant findings have been reported, and accountability seems distant.
The families have warned that if their demands are not met, they will march from Rajkot to Gandhinagar and continue their fight for justice. They insist on the dismissal and imprisonment of the guilty officials, not just suspension. The government’s reluctance to take concrete steps underscores systemic failure and insensitivity towards the victims’ plight.
The government’s apparent attempt to placate the victims with superficial gestures rather than addressing the root causes of the tragedy has only deepened the distrust. The victims’ families are resolute in their demand for genuine justice and accountability, and their fight continues.
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