The Kerala High Court has given bail to all 41 accused in Kerala’s Kollam temple fire tragedy that claimed over 100 lives because police failed to file the chargesheet within 90-day deadline.
At least 110 people were killed and more than 1,000 were injured after a stray spark landed on a cache on fireworks at the Puttingal Devi temple in April this year, leading to a massive explosion and fire.
The tragedy had struck around 3.30 am on Sunday during a display of fireworks at the temple complex, where thousands of people had gathered to witness it.
The mishap occurred as sparks from fireworks fell on the storeroom ‘Kambapura’ and the crackers kept there exploded. The blaze spread quickly trapping devotees within the complex.
The Court had earlier refused bail to all including the temple trust officials. The judge had observed that Kerala has developed a very unhealthy cultural practice that any religious festival or ceremony must be glamorised by fireworks and elephant parade.
“It is high time we banned or controlled the use of fireworks, explosive substances and elephant parades in connection with festivals and ceremonies. No religion will promote or sponsor such explosive ceremonies,” the judge had said.
The accused included 15 managing committee members of the temple, firework contractor and his workers. The accused were charged under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC.
The explosions also ripped chunks of concrete and plaster from the temple and nearby buildings which fell on people killing some on the spot and wounding many others. The official statement said 75 bodies have been identified and 84 post-mortems had been conducted.
Police had registered a case of attempt to murder and other offences against six persons, including members of temple managing committee and associates of firework contractors in connection with the tragedy.
