A devastating fire at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat, has claimed the lives of at least 27 people, including a newly-married couple and the husband's sister-in-law.

Akshay Dholaria, a student in Canada, and his wife Khyati Svaliwea were celebrating their recent court marriage at the TRP Game Zone on Saturday evening. They were accompanied by Khyati's sister, Harita, when the tragic incident occurred. The couple had planned a traditional Hindu wedding for December, but the fire cut their lives short.

Following the incident, Akshay's parents, who reside in the US, rushed to Rajkot. Police have requested DNA samples from the parents to confirm the victims' identities due to the severe burns making identification challenging.

The fire, which broke out on Saturday, resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people, including four children under 12. Officials fear the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue.

The owner and manager of the TRP Game Zone have been detained, and the state government has tasked a Special Investigation Team with probing the incident.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Radhika Bharai stated, "So far, we have confirmed the death of 27 persons in the fire incident. The bodies are charred beyond recognition, making identification difficult."

The tragedy has drawn reactions from top leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all expressing their sorrow.

Prime Minister Modi spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel about the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. "The fire tragedy in Rajkot has saddened us all. In my telephone conversation with him, Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel Ji told me about the efforts underway to ensure all possible assistance is provided to those who have been affected," Modi posted on X.

President Murmu also shared her condolences on X, saying, "I am deeply anguished to learn of the loss of lives in a fire accident at a gaming zone in Rajkot, Gujarat. My heart goes out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones including young children. I pray to the Almighty for the speedy recovery of those being rescued."