Kerala CM Oommen Chandy orders judicial probe into Kollam fire tragedy
Kerala government said it would bring in strict regulations regarding display of fire works and ensure that the guidelines are adhered to.
A man walks carrying empty shells of fireworks past a collapsed building after a massive fire broke out during a fireworks display at the Puttingal temple complex in Paravoor village, north of Thiruvananthapuram, southern Kerala state, India, Sunday, April 10, 2016. Dozens were killed and many more were injured when a spark from an unauthorized fireworks show ignited a separate batch of fireworks that were being stored at the temple complex, officials said. Most of the people died when the building where the fireworks were stored collapsed, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the state's top elected official.(Photo via AP) 
A man walks carrying empty shells of fireworks past a collapsed building after a massive fire broke out during a fireworks display at the Puttingal temple complex in Paravoor village, north of Thiruvananthapuram, southern Kerala state, India, Sunday, April 10, 2016. (Photo via AP)
Kerala Cabinet on Sunday ordered for a probe by the crime branch wing of the state police into the fireworks tragedy which has claimed over 100 lives and injured over 200.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy chaired a cabinet meeting in Kollam and said Crime Branch ADGP A Ananthakrishnan would lead the probe. The local police in Kollam have already registered a case, which would be handed over to the crime branch.
Apart from the crime branch probe, the government ordered for a judicial probe into the tragedy. The Judicial commission would be headed by a retired judge and would be completed in six months.
The Chief Minister also announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 10 lakh to kin of each of those killed in fire tragedy, Rs 2 lakh for seriously injured.
We have ordered a judicial enquiry on the #Kollam temple tragedy, will get the report within 6 months: Oommen Chandy, Kerala CM
— ANI (@ANI_news) April 10, 2016
Chandy said banning the fireworks at temples has limitations as these activities are the part of rituals and traditions. However, the government said it would bring in strict regulations regarding display of fire works and ensure that the guidelines are adhered to.
Chandy said a total ban would be impossible.
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