Agartala, 21st October 2026 : A 37-year-old man died after allegedly falling from a Ferris wheel at the Netaji Play Centre Puja fair in Agartala in the early hours of Wednesday, raising concerns over the safety of amusement rides at public events.
The deceased, identified as Rajesh Sarkar, was a resident of Joynagar in Agartala. He was a vegetable vendor and is survived by a son and a daughter.
According to a police official, IGM Hospital informed the authorities on Wednesday morning that a man had been declared brought dead at around 3:20 am. Preliminary inquiries revealed that Sarkar had visited the Ferris wheel set up at the Netaji Choumuhani Puja mandap at around 3 am.
Family members and local sources said Sarkar allegedly fell from the ride after the seat or platform tilted while he was on it. He sustained critical injuries and was rushed to IGM Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
The incident triggered anger among local residents, who questioned the safety of the Ferris wheel and alleged that its assembly and joints appeared unsafe. They demanded an investigation into the circumstances leading to the fatal accident and sought accountability from those responsible for installing and operating the ride.
Residents also expressed concern over the financial future of the deceased’s family, questioning whether the ride had insurance coverage and what compensation, if any, would be provided to the bereaved family.
Sarkar’s death has raised questions about the safety checks, operational standards and accountability mechanisms for amusement rides installed at fairs and Puja venues. Residents called for the authorities concerned to examine the incident and ensure that such rides comply with safety requirements before being opened to the public.
The exact circumstances of the accident, including whether any mechanical failure or safety lapse contributed to the fall, remain to be established.
