The father of a 20-year-old engineering student, who was killed in the TRP Game Zone fire in Rajkot, Gujarat on May 25, has filed a complaint with the district consumer dispute redressal commission, seeking Rs 20 lakh in compensation from the firm responsible for the facility.
27 people lost their lives in the fire at the game zone. Rasik Vekaria, a businessman and the father of the deceased student Nirav Vekaria, has demanded compensation and punitive damages from the firm for its negligence and deficiency in service, according to his lawyer, Gajendra Jani.
Nirav, a second-year engineering student, had a promising academic future that was cut short due to the firm’s negligence. Vekaria’s complaint also includes the Collector, Commissioner of Police, and Municipal Commissioner of Rajkot to ensure all relevant documentary evidence is brought forth.
Judge KM Dave has issued notices to nine respondents, including Raceway Enterprises and its partners, as well as the Rajkot collector, police commissioner, and municipal commissioner. The complaint was filed on June 29, and notices were issued on July 6. The matter is scheduled for hearing on August 2.
According to the complaint, Raceway Enterprises promoted its TRP Game Zone through various advertisements for activities such as games, amusement, sports, and racing. This attracted Nirav and other customers, who paid to enjoy amenities like trampolines, artificial wall climbing, racing, bowling, and jumping.
The fire that broke out on May 25 trapped Nirav and other customers inside, leading to their premature deaths. The complaint accuses the firm of negligence by failing to provide adequate safety measures, such as fire extinguishers and insurance coverage. As a result, Nirav received defective service, leading to his untimely death.
“The complaint has demanded that the partners of the firm and the owners of the place where the firm operated should pay Rs 20 lakh in compensation to the family of deceased Nirav Vekaria,” said lawyer Jani.
