In the wake of the tragic fire incident in Rajkot that claimed at least 27 lives, local authorities have sealed approximately 31 properties, including several schools and coaching classes, for failing to comply with safety norms. The ongoing investigation extends across 18 wards of the Rajkot Municipal Corporation.

Officials stated that the sealing of properties and rigorous inspections are part of a broader strategy to enhance safety standards across the state. The inspections target several key areas, including verification of required permissions and licenses, assessment of maximum occupancy limits, examination of electrical loads, cables, and installations, inspection of fire safety equipment, escape routes, and exit gates, and evaluation of the strength and fitness of mechanical installations.

The safety checks are not limited to Rajkot. In Surat, the administration has sealed 739 properties over the past week. This includes 537 properties without Building Use Certificates (BUC) and 175 without fire safety certificates. The sealed properties encompass a variety of establishments, such as 29 game zones, 27 goldsmith shops, 71 restaurants, 130 commercial markets, and 134 temporary structures.

This joint operation, involving municipal authorities, the Collector, and the police, has sparked widespread concern across the city. Malls, restaurants, hospitals, schools, and coaching classes are under intense scrutiny, and non-compliant institutions are facing closure.