The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of devastating fire due to explosion in the stored crackers in the premises of crowded Puttingal Devi Temple in Kollam (Kerala), which led to deaths of around 107 people and left over 400 injured.
According to reports, the temple authorities had gone ahead with a competitive pyrotechnics display despite the denial of permission from the Kollam district administration.
The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala as well as the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Kollam and demanded reports in the matter within four weeks.
The Chief Secretary has been asked to apprise the Commission about the steps taken by the State Government to ensure that such incidents do not occur in future.
The Commission, while issuing the notices, has also observed that the life of hundreds of people was at risk by such an event organised by the Temple authorities, who despite having been denied the permission by the District administration decided to go ahead.
According to the media reports, huge quantity of crackers, meant to be burst to mark the conclusion of the Meena-Bharani festival, exploded, killing over 40 persons instantly, maiming many more and causing extensive damage to the nearby buildings.
The disaster struck when a cracker, meant to explode in the air, fell to the ground, sending sparks flying in all directions. The spark ignited the crackers which were stored in a storehouse in the temple premises.
