Kollam temple fire: Kerala to tighten fireworks norms
Cabinet names former judge N Krishnan Nair to conduct judicial probe; report in six months.
THIRUVANANTHAPRUAM: Cabinet on Sunday ordered a judicial probe into the fire incident at Puttingal Devi Temple in Paravur in which 106 persons were killed and 350 injured.
The decision was taken at emergency Cabinet meeting held in in Kollam. Retired High Court Judge N Krishnan Nair is the one man commission which will probe the incident. The judicial commission will complete its probe and submit report within six months.
Additional chief secretary Nalini Netto has been asked to finalise the terms of reference for the judicial probe . The crime Branch has taken over the investigations into the case registered by Paravur police. ADGP (crime) Anantha-krishnan will head the crime branch probe into the case registered under section IPC 304, Explosive Act.
Chief minister Oommen Chandy said in the wake of Paravur tragedy the guidelines for permitting fireworks would be made stringent. At many places the guidelines were being violated. In view of this additional chief secretary Nalini Netto had been asked to examine the existing guidelines and submit fresh stipulations.
Victims’ families to get Rs 10 Lakh
Chief Minister announced Rs 10 lakh each for the next of the kin of deceased, Rs 2 lakh each for the injured and Rs 50,000 with minor injuries. Of the deceased , 40 victims are yet to be identified and the government has decided to conduct scientific analysis including DNA test to ascertain their identity.
Chandy said free treatment would be given to the 383 injured persons . The government has also sought EC permission for granting financial aid to the victims. Meanwhile, an official release said that free ambulance services would be provided to the victims of fire tragedy. The facility will be available on call at 1298.
Rahul Gandhi visits victims at Kollam
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi visited the Puttingal temple firework mishap victims at Kollam district hospital by 5.30 pm. He was accompanied by senior Congress leader A. K. Antony from New Delhi.
The two senior leaders reached Varkala Papanasam grounds at 5 pm by a special helicopeter and from there the two leaders reached the accident spot by car. After visiting the accident spot at Puttingal temple at Paravoor, Mr. Gandhi went to the Kollam district hospital.