The 58-year-old Haryana police inspector Jagdish Prasad, who died trying to save people at the Surajkund fairgrounds after a giant swing snapped mid-air and collapsed, was cremated with state honours on Sunday.
His last rites were performed with full rituals on the banks of the Yamuna River, where his son Gaurav lit the funeral pyre, said an official, adding that hundreds of people gathered for the funeral.
Paying tribute to the bravery of Prasad, Palwal SP Varun Singla said that every Indian is proud of his dedication and courage. The SP also consoled the family members of the late inspector.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday said the death and injuries in the Surajkund swing tragedy in Faridabad were deeply painful and directed officials to ensure strict adherence to safety standards in the fair and other public events.
He said a probe has been ordered to find out the reason behind the collapse, and announced a government job to a family member of the police inspector who died while trying to save people.
Saini announced that the seriously injured in the Surajkund incident would be provided financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each by the state government.
On Saturday, about 19 people were riding the swing when it tilted around 6 pm before crashing onto the ground, leaving 11 injured.
Prasad, who joined the Haryana Armed Police in 1989 and was to retire in March after completing 36 years in the force, showed great bravery in trying to save those trapped in the swing but received severe injuries in the process, leading to his death, a senior officer said.
Prasad's nephew, Prashant, who was also at the venue at the time, said the accident happened right before his eyes, and he had ridden the swing just before the accident.
"When the swing broke, Jagdish uncle was the first to engage in rescue operations. He began pulling out those trapped beneath the swing. He had already rescued some people and was still trying when the broken swing tilted too far towards him, trapping his neck. He suffered serious injuries. After this, he was taken to the hospital but could not be saved," said Prashant.
Prasad's son, Gaurav, said the family last met him before the fair started.
"He had promised to meet again only after the fair was over, but that meeting proved to be the last. One of my sisters had to get married in November, but all shattered now," said Gaurav.
Also read: Surajkund Mela ride collapse: Inspector dies saving lives,13 hurt
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