The tragic accident at Faridabad’s Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Saturday turned into a moment of extraordinary bravery when Inspector Jagdish Prasad of the Haryana Armed Police laid down his life while trying to save others. The senior police officer was among the 19 people who died after an amusement ride collapsed at the crowded fairgrounds, triggering panic and chaos among visitors.
As the incident unfolded, Inspector Prasad, who was deployed for security duty at the venue, immediately rushed toward the site of the crash. Ignoring the risks to his own life, he focused on evacuating visitors and assisting in rescue efforts. During the operation, he suffered a severe head injury. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Inspector Jagdish Prasad had served the Haryana Police for over three decades. He joined the force in 1989 and was part of the Haryana Armed Police, a special armed reserve unit tasked with handling sensitive and high-risk situations. After completing nearly 36 years of service, he was scheduled to retire in March 2026. His death, just weeks before retirement, has left the police fraternity and the public deeply shaken.
Haryana Director General of Police Ajay Singhal praised Inspector Prasad’s courage and calmness during the tense situation. He said that despite facing extremely challenging and dangerous circumstances, the officer put the safety of others above his own. According to the DGP, Prasad’s prompt action and bravery helped save several lives, reflecting the highest traditions and values of police service. He described the loss as irreparable for the department and said Inspector Prasad’s dedication would continue to inspire future generations of officers.
Expressing his condolences, the DGP assured the bereaved family of full support from the Haryana Police. He confirmed that Inspector Prasad’s family would receive a policy amount of ₹1 crore, along with all other service-related benefits. The department, he said, stands firmly with the family during this difficult time and will extend all possible assistance.
Inspector Jagdish Prasad is survived by his wife, two daughters, and a son. All three children are students and unmarried. His younger brother Pradeep is a teacher and lives in their native village with their parents, Surajmal and Shanti Devi. His elder brother Satish Chandra works at a chemical factory in Ballabgarh, while another brother, Chandrabhan Singh, is employed with a motor company in Faridabad.
Following the incident, DGP Ajay Singhal also visited the hospital to check on those injured in the accident. He reviewed their condition with doctors and instructed hospital authorities to ensure uninterrupted and effective treatment. He directed officials to make all necessary medical resources available so that no lapse occurs in the care of the victims.
Inspector Jagdish Prasad’s final act of service stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by police personnel in the line of duty. Just weeks before hanging up his uniform, he chose courage over caution and humanity over self-preservation. His bravery during the Surajkund Mela tragedy will be remembered not just within the police force, but by every life he helped save that day.