Puttingal firework mishap: Report vindicates T P Senkumar's stand

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the inquiry report of the joint chief controller of explosives on the Puttingal firework mishap is out, former state police chief T.P. Senkumar could heave a sigh of relief that his stand on the matter has been vindicated. It may be recalled that Chief Minister Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan had even maintained that one prime reason for removing Senkumar from state police chief post was that he justified the lapses on the part of the police.

Senkumar had objected to a recommendation by the Home Secretary Nalini Netto immediately after the tragedy that action may be taken against police officers, including then Kollam city police commissioner. “As state police chief my stand was that there were lapses not only from the part of police officials, but officials of other departments, including revenue, should be held responsible. This has been now vindicated by the Centre's inquiry report,” said Mr. Senkumar.