The terrible fire at the 500 year old Devi temple in Puttingal in Pravur, Kollam that killed over one hundred and injured hundreds more has raised some very serious questions. Details about the terrible tragedy that rocked the nation a few days are slowly coming to light. Absconding office bearers have surrendered and more explosives are being located around the temple.
Sacks of explosives were found in two cars
Three cars were found abandoned close to the temple. These cars contained sacks of explosives which no one now wants to claim. Not wanting to take any chances, the bomb disposal squad was called on to the scene. We now know that the deadly fire was caused because of a firecracker falling on to a shed where many more firecrackers were stored. There was an explosion that led to the collapse of the roof and a nearby building as well. There have been about 750 such smaller incidents in the state in the past two decades.
While flouting of norms and the use of illegal chemicals contributed to the tragedy, it was triggered by the fireworks display that is a part of an age old tradition. About 10,000 people were watching the fireworks display that was a part of a contest between “‘Varkala Krishnankutty and Kazhakkoottam Surendran”. Prizes ranged from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1,00,000. The competition was advertised and held in spite of a specific orders to the contrary from the district administration.
Cases registered against temple authorities and fireworks contractor
The police have registered a case against five fireworks contractors; one of whom has ironically suffered 80% burns. Five temple office bearers were absconding following the tragedy but have now surrendered and have been taken into custody. If alleged eye witness accounts are to be believed then the police actually helped make way for firecrackers to be brought to the venue.
Amidst this terrible tragedy which resulted in irreplaceable lives lost and very significant damage to property, the governing body of the temple Travancore Devaswom Board, which is in charge of nearly 1,000 temples, said it will not obey a ban on fireworks, and that it is up to the government to ensure public safety.
Author: Reena Daruwalla
