Puttingal temple fire tragedy should be inquired by CBI, observes Kerala HC

Mangalore Today News Network

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 12, 2016: While hearing Justice Chidambaresh’s plea seeking ban on high decibel firecrackers, the Kerala High Court was on Tuesday informed by the state government that the guidelines were violated and no safety precautions were taken at the Puttingal temple.

 

 

The Solicitor General appearing on behalf of the Kerala government told HC that there was clear violation of law as no safety measures were taken.

The state said that no permission was granted for fireworks at the Puttingal temple.

To this, the Kerala HC asked the Chandy government, “How did fireworks happen without permission and why did the police allow the fireworks?”

The Kerala HC observed that the Puttingal Temple fire tragedy should be inquired by CBI.

While directing police and the district administration to submit a separate affidavit on the tragic incident, the court recommended strict action against those involved in dereliction of duty.

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.

The Kerala government has called an all-party Meeting on April 14 to discuss whether or not to ban fireworks display during festivities in places of worship in the backdrop of the Kollam temple tragedy.