A newly married couple tragically lost their lives in a massive fire that broke out at a gaming zone in Gujarat's Rajkot district. The police have requested DNA samples from the couple's parents to confirm their identities.
The fire incident at the gaming zone in Rajkot resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people, including a newly-married couple and the husband's sister-in-law. Akshay Dholaria, who was studying in Canada, and his wife Khyati Svaliwea were celebrating their court marriage at Rajkot's TRP Game Zone on Saturday evening, accompanied by Khyati's sister Harita, when they perished in the devastating fire.
According to Akshay's family, the couple had planned a grand wedding ceremony according to Hindu rituals in December of this year. Unfortunately, they lost their lives in this tragic incident.
Following the incident, Akshay's parents, who reside in the United States, traveled to Rajkot. The police have requested DNA samples from the parents to confirm the identities of the victims.
The fire, which broke out on Saturday at the gaming zone in Rajkot, claimed at least 27 lives, including four children under the age of 12. Officials have indicated that the death toll may rise.
In the aftermath of the incident, the police detained the owner and manager of the TRP Game Zone. The state government has assigned the investigation to a Special Investigation Team.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Radhika Bharai stated, "So far, we have confirmed the deaths of 27 persons in the fire incident. The bodies are charred beyond recognition, making identification difficult," while speaking to the media.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed their grief over the incident. Modi spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to inquire about the rescue and relief efforts.
"The fire tragedy in Rajkot has saddened us all. In my telephone conversation with him a short while ago, Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel Ji told me about the efforts underway to ensure all possible assistance is provided to those affected," Modi stated on X.
In a post on X, President Murmu said, "I am deeply anguished to learn of the loss of lives in a fire accident at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones, including young children. I pray to the Almighty for the speedy recovery of those being rescued."
