Disaster-hit Kerala temple still closed

Kerala's Puttingal Devi temple is yet to open for puja, six days after it was hit by a disaster last Sunday that killed some 114 people and left more than 350 injured.

Sources in the temple management told IANS that there was confusion over when the temple in the coastal town of Paravur would be opened to resume customary pujas and other associated activities.

They said a section of people wanted the temple be opened on Saturday while others are opposing the idea before a purification ritual is conducted.

"Those who are opposing it say that bad times have fallen on the temple and the need of the hour is to conduct a 'devaprashanam' (purification ritual)," said a source requesting not to be identified.

The reopening of the temple is stalled also because seven officials of the 15-member temple committee are remanded in judicial custody since a huge pile of stocked crackers exploded during a fireworkers display on Sunday.

The remaining officials are on the run amid manhunt by the crime branch police probe team.