Bihar fair death: Youth falls from Tsunami swing at Nalanda's Rajgir Malmas Fair
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A 25-year-old man died after falling from a moving 'Tsunami' swing at the Rajgir Malmas Fair in Nalanda, Bihar, after his safety belt allegedly came loose during the ride late on Monday night. The deceased, Aman Kumar, son of Vipin Kumar and a resident of Mikku village under Nardiganj Police Station in Nawada district, had visited the fair with family members and relatives.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to accounts from the scene, Aman and his cousin Prince purchased tickets and boarded the Tsunami swing together. Shortly after the ride began — at approximately 11.50 pm — Aman allegedly lost his balance when his safety belt reportedly opened mid-ride. He fell from the moving swing and sustained critical injuries.
Local residents helped rush him to the Rajgir Sub-Divisional Hospital for emergency treatment. He was subsequently referred to Vardhman Institute of Medical Sciences in Pawapuri for advanced care. Due to his deteriorating condition, doctors then directed him to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), but Aman Kumar died during transit.
Police Action and Investigation
Sanjit Kumar Gupta, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Rajgir, confirmed the incident and stated that police have seized the Tsunami swing and initiated legal proceedings against the ride operator under relevant sections of law. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has been called in to examine the ride and investigate the circumstances of the accident.
As an immediate precautionary measure, authorities have suspended the operation of all major swings and amusement rides at the fair until further notice. A video of the incident has reportedly circulated widely on social media.
Safety Concerns at Public Fairs
The incident has reignited serious concerns over the adequacy of safety standards and maintenance protocols governing amusement rides at large public fairs in Bihar. Critics argue that oversight of ride operators at temporary fairgrounds remains inconsistent, leaving visitors — particularly young attendees — exposed to preventable risk.
Notably, this is not the first time amusement ride safety at state fairs has come under scrutiny. Experts and safety advocates have long called for mandatory pre-fair inspections and operator certification, measures that remain unevenly enforced across the state.
What Happens Next
The FSL investigation is expected to determine whether the safety belt failure was the result of mechanical fault, poor maintenance, or operator negligence. Authorities have not yet named a formal accused, but legal action against the ride operator is already underway. The suspension of rides at the fair is likely to remain in place pending a safety audit of all installed amusement equipment.