Kasaragod: Over 150 people were injured, with eight reported in critical condition, following a fireworks accident during the annual Kaliyattam festival at Kerala’s Anjootambalam Veerarkavu Temple. The incident occurred around 12:30 am on Monday, according to local police.
Following the accident, police filed cases against eight individuals associated with the temple committee under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Explosive Substances Act.
The injured were promptly transported to hospitals across Kasaragod, Kannur, and Mangaluru, where they are receiving treatment. Initial reports suggest that the accident resulted from a fire at a fireworks storage facility near the temple.
Upon hearing of the incident, senior officials, including the district collector and the police chief, arrived at the scene to assess the situation. Community members gathered in large numbers to support the injured and their families during this difficult time.
Earlier in the week, Kerala Police registered an FIR related to the alleged disruption of the Thrissur Pooram festival in April. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan attributed this to “exaggerated campaigns” by the Opposition, although the festival proceeded without interruption.
The FIR, filed with unspecified accused, charges conspiracy, incitement to riot, and offense of outraging religious sentiments. In a statement, CM Vijayan claimed that attempts to disrupt the iconic festival, known for its elephant parades and traditional drums, were led by the Sangh Parivar, with the Congress-led UDF as “its B-team.”
Discover more from Latest News, Breaking News, National News, World News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.