India Arrests Five Suspects Over Temple Fire That Killed Over 100
KABUL: (MEP) Indian authorities on Monday have arrested five people in connection with the huge fire at a Hindu ‘Puttingal Devi’ temple, which killed some 108 people and injured more than 300.
The five people taken into custody were reportedly involved in the public fireworks display that led to the blast.
The BBC earlier reported that Indian authorities have ordered a formal inquiry into the incident, with police set to also initiate criminal proceedings against the temple leadership and the contractors said to have been hired for the event. Many of the temple’s trustees against whom a police case has been filed have now gone missing, according to Indian broadcaster NDTV.
Police have also filed a case against the fireworks’ contractor. According to reports, firecrackers worth nearly $1 million were brought for the celebration at the temple, where thousands of people had gathered. Officials had reportedly denied permission for the fireworks display.
The incident occurred at Puttingal temple in Kollam district’s Paravoor town — about 40 miles north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram — early Sunday after an illegal fireworks display went awry during a religious festival. According to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the fire started after a spark from the fireworks ignited another set of firecrackers in the temple area injuring 380 people.
Witnesses said the explosion ripped the temple building apart and sent blocks and other concrete parts slamming into the crowd.
Meanwhile, police have seized a small quantity of unexploded fireworks materials from the fire site.
