Kollam temple fire: Cabinet welcomes CBI probe

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state cabinet has decided to constitute a sub-committee to suggest relief and safety measures for the victims of Puttingal fireworks tragedy and also to urge the Centre to declare the accident as a national disaster. During the Cabinet meeting, some ministers were learnt to have expressed displeasure over the open statements made by Kollam district collector A. Shainamol that put the police in the dock over the  fireworks.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters that the government would welcome even a CBI probe into the tragedy and it would be informed to the HC.
According to sources, a minister  said that the collector’s criticism of the police was untimely as it came while the rescue and relief operations were progressing.

A minister pointed out during the state Cabinet meeting that it was not proper to put the entire blame on the police at that time. However, the Chief Minister pacified the ministers. Though a report of  Ms Shainamol on the incident came before the cabinet, it was not taken up for discussion, said sources.

The CM said the sub-committee comprising revenue minister Adoor Prakash, labour minister Shibu Baby John and health minister V.S. Sivakumar would visit the area on Tuesday. “Based on the committee’s recommendations, steps for rehabilitation and safety measures of the local people would be initiated,” he said.

Mr. Chandy criticised the Opposition for 'politicising' the tragedy. “What is the point in demanding Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala’s resignation in connection with the incident? During Pullumedu and Thekkady tragedies, the  present CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan was the Home Minister. But he did not resign then,” Mr Chandy said.