Kerala Temple Fire: All 41 Accused Get Bail As Cops Fail To File Chargesheet In 90-Days

Kollam: The Kerala High Court has today 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.

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"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.