Faridabad Police Officer on Surajkund Mela Probe Panel Transferred
The Haryana government has transferred 2016-batch IPS officer Maqsood Ahmed, who was serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police (NIT) in Faridabad, with immediate effect. According to official orders issued on Monday, Ahmed has been posted as Superintendent of Police at the Police Headquarters in Panchkula.
Transfer Follows Tragic Surajkund Mela Incident
This administrative move comes in the wake of the devastating swing collapse incident at the Surajkund International Crafts Mela fairgrounds in Faridabad on Saturday evening. The tragedy claimed the life of on-duty police inspector Jagdish Prasad during rescue operations and left 12 others injured with varying degrees of severity.
Officer Ahmed had been appointed as a member of a six-member investigative committee formed by the district administration to probe the circumstances surrounding the accident. This committee, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Satibir Singh, was specifically tasked with examining technical failures and inspection lapses that may have contributed to the structural collapse.
Official Sources: "Routine Transfer" Unrelated to Investigation
Sources within the Faridabad district administration have emphasized that Ahmed's transfer represents a standard administrative procedure and bears no connection to the ongoing Surajkund investigation. "The next DCP-NIT will likely assume his position on the committee," clarified administration officials who requested anonymity while speaking about the personnel change.
These sources further explained that police postings and transfers occur regularly as part of normal bureaucratic operations within the Haryana police department. The timing, while coinciding with the investigation, does not indicate any disciplinary action or removal from the probe panel according to official statements.
Comprehensive Investigation Underway
The six-member committee comprises technical experts and administrative officials including YMCA University Mechanical department head Arvind Gupta, Executive Engineers Hitesh Kumar and Ashwini Gaur from the Irrigation Department and HSVP respectively, alongside the ADC and police representation.
Faridabad district deputy commissioner Ayush Sinha has publicly stated that the committee will conduct a thorough examination addressing every potential lapse in safety protocols, equipment certification, and operational procedures. The investigation aims to establish accountability and prevent similar tragedies at public events throughout the state.
Broader Response to the Tragedy
In response to the Surajkund incident, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has ordered a comprehensive statewide review of all amusement equipment at fairs and public gatherings. This directive includes mandatory technical inspections, fitness certifications, and operational arrangements for swings and similar apparatus to ensure public safety.
The state government has announced compensation packages for accident victims and has pledged a government job for the family of the deceased police inspector Jagdish Prasad. Meanwhile, the Faridabad Police has established a separate Special Investigation Team under the supervision of the DCP-Crime to conduct parallel inquiries into potential criminal negligence.
In a related administrative order, the Haryana government also transferred Haryana Police Service officer Suresh Kumar, currently posted as Deputy Superintendent of Police in the 2nd battalion of the Indian Reserve Battalion at Nuh. Kumar has been reassigned as DSP in Hodal (Palwal) against a vacant position, though officials confirm this transfer is unrelated to the Surajkund investigation.
Following the tragic incident, authorities have arrested two individuals including the ride operator on charges related to negligence and safety violations. The community continues to mourn Inspector Prasad, remembered by colleagues as a calm and dedicated officer who lost his life while attempting to rescue others during the emergency response.
