Temple authorities fooled police with fake documents for fireworks display,
By Sreekanth A. Nair
KOLLAM (KERALA): The Kerala government, on Sunday, ordered a judicial enquiry into the tragedy at Puttingal temple in Kollam district, which has killed 108 people and injured more than 400 people after an illegal fireworks display caused a fire to break out on the premises.The enquiry committee will be headed by retired Justice Krishnan Nair and the committee will submit its report within six months.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy informed the media that the police have registered a case against temple authorities and Crime Branch Additional Director General Ananthakrishnan will be the investigating officer.
The temple authorities conducted the fireworks violating the order of the district collector. Documents now out in the open reveal that the district collector had denied permission to conduct huge fireworks at the temple as part of its annual festival.
The City Police Commissioner said that the temple authorities didn’t have the permission to conduct fireworks. But, to obtain permission from the police, the authorities misled the police saying that they had the permission.
The fireworks were in the form of a competition using huge quantities of gunpowder and crackers.
The government has offered $14,705 to the families of deceased, $2,941 to severely injured and $736 to the families of injured as an emergency aid. Special control rooms have been opened in Kollam.
The Indian Navy and Air Force have deployed some special teams for rescue operations. Two helicopters of navy and air force have reached Kollam with medicines and rescue equipment.
Air ambulance of the Air Force and 2 AN 32 airliners will also be used for rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force has reached the tragedy spot.