This Article is From Apr 16, 2016

Kollam Fire: Kerala Police Blames District Administration For 'Delayed Action'

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Kerala Edited by

Over 100 people died in a massive fire at Puttingal temple in Kerala's Kollam.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala police today slammed the district administration for 'delayed action' during the Puttingal temple fire in which over 100 people died.

In its report, the police said the district administration denied permission to hold fireworks display at the last minute.

The report also blamed "disunity" and "lack of cohesion" in the district administration during relief operations.

After the temple tragedy, the Kerala High Court had said that the state police's multitude of lapses had led to the massive fire.

The court had also said that police failed to provide basic safety to devotees who had gathered at the Kollam temple; this amounts to a violation of human rights, the judges said. They also said they are disinclined to "trust the police" and are considering asking the CBI to take over the investigation.

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Around 1,000 were injured after a spark ignited fireworks stored in a shed during a traditional fireworks display at the temple. The temple had defied a ban on the display, supported by local politicians. Kerala is in the middle of an election and votes on May 16.
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