Two days after the fireworks tragedy at Puttingal Devi temple in Paravur in Kollam that left 109 people dead and more than 350 injured, police on Tuesday recorded the arrest of six temple officials.
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Police are investigating temple board members and associates of firework contractors for possible charges of attempted murder and culpable homicide, both punishable by life imprisonment, and illegally storing a cache of explosives. At least 116 people have been killed in the incident and over 200 others are being treated.
Temple authorities have said, despite the tragedy, that they will not ban fireworks during festivals. The five were later released.
The court, which also made the CBI a party in the case, asked how the fireworks display was conducted after Collector denying permission and why the police did not prevent the fireworks display. According to reports, firecrackers worth nearly $1 million were brought for celebration at the temple, where thousands of people had gathered.
Meanwhile, BJP state President Kummanam Rajasekaran opposed any complete ban on the fireworks display in temples stating that it should be allowed with sufficient safety measures.
Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Tuesday called for an all-party meeting to discuss the potential ban on the fireowkrs in temple in future. The resulting explosion killed several when the building collapsed, following which a rapidly-spreading fire trapped dozens of pilgrims inside the temple.
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Besides, the members of the temple managing committee case was also registered against assistants of contractors who held the “competitive” pyrotechnic display, despite a ban on it by the district administration.
