Kasaragod: Kasaragod District Police Chief D Shilpa has announced that a special team has been appointed to investigate the accident involving a fireworks storage room fire during the Veerarkavu Kaliyattam Festival at Anchutambalam in Nileshwaram, Kasaragod. The investigation will be led by DYSP Babu Peringoth from Kanhangad, who stated that all aspects will be examined. D Shilpa also noted that the fireworks display was held in a different location than the previous year.
The investigation will look into the change in the designated area for setting off fireworks. Preliminary findings suggest that safety distance regulations were not followed. The police have filed cases against eight individuals, seven of whom are temple committee officials, along with Rajesh, the contractor responsible for setting off the fireworks. The secretary and president of the temple committee have been taken into police custody.
A total of 154 people were injured in the explosion caused by fireworks sparks landing on the storage room where additional fireworks were kept.
Of those injured, 15 are in critical condition, and the status of five is extremely serious, with five individuals currently on ventilators. Forensic experts conducted an examination at the accident site. Meanwhile, BJP activists have demanded an investigation into any possible lapses by the police and district administration.
