NHRC issues notice to Govt of Kerala on Kollam accident

NHRC takes suo motu cognizance of media reports that a devastating fire due to explosion

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Government of Kerala on devastating fire killing over 100 people and injuring hundreds of people at Kollam.

NHRC has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports that a devastating fire due to explosion in stored crackers in premises of crowded Puttingal Devi Temple took away about 107 lives and caused injuries to more than 400 people in Kollam.

Reportedly, the Temple authorities had to go ahead with a competitive pyrotechnics display despite the denial of permission from the Kollam district administration, said NHRC.

The Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Kerala as well as the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Kollam calling for 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, according to NHRC notice.

The Commission has 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.

"The contents of the media report indicate that the District administration remained a mute spectator and was negligent in the prevention of such violation which is a serious issue of violation of right to life of the victims," said in the notice.