Rajkot, Gujarat came to a standstill as the city marked one month since the tragic fire incident that claimed 27 lives. The bustling main markets wore a deserted look as schools, colleges, and businesses shut down in solidarity with the victims.
The fire, which engulfed a gaming zone on May 25, prompted the opposition Congress party to call for a 'Rajkot bandh,' demanding higher compensation and justice for the families affected. Several commercial associations supported the bandh by closing their establishments for the day.
To maintain law and order, extensive police deployment and heightened patrolling were implemented throughout the city. Congress leaders, including MLA Jignesh Mevani and state president Shaktisinh Gohil, expressed appreciation to the business community for their solidarity. Meanwhile, family members of the victims actively participated in the bandh, sharing their grievances with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi via video conference.
The state government's Special Investigation Team (SIT) remains actively involved in investigating the incident, having apprehended 15 individuals thus far. On June 15, Congress activists staged a protest outside the city police commissioner's office, stressing the urgency of justice and systemic reforms.
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