Kumbakonam:
A court in Tamil Nadu will give its verdict today in the Kumbakonam school fire tragedy that killed 94 children a decade ago.
On 16th July, 2004, a fire had broken out in the school's kitchen, which was used to prepare midday meals for the children. The fire spread rapidly to the first floor due to the school's thatched roof.
Ninety-four children, all between the ages of five and nine, lost their lives. Their teachers reportedly abandoned them.
The Thanjavur court will decide on 21 accused, including the owners of the building, teachers and government officials.
Inbaraj, who lost both his sons Praveen Raj and Anand Raj, hopes for the toughest punishment for the accused.
"The punishment should be so stringent that it should be a lesson for others. None should suffer like us, losing children," he told NDTV.
The tragedy left an indelible mark on Kousalya, a survivor who was in class three then. Her right hand has strong scars of the burn injury.
"Boys used to tease me in school. I often think I should have died as the 95th child," she said. Kousalya is seeking???? help for advanced cosmetic surgery.
It is reported that three schools, including a government-aided institution, functioned in the building without a proper license.
Authorities from various departments had certified the school building's structural stability, sanitation and student strength without making a single visit. On the day of the tragedy, an inspection was expected and investigators say the school had packed the government-aided wing with private students to boost attendance and claim grants and teacher postings.
"We've sought maximum punishment. They can get up to ten years," said Special Public Prosecutor Madhu Sudhanan.