Ensure guilty in temple tragedy are brought to book: Sonia

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Apr 10 2016 | 10:13 PM IST
Congress President Sonia Gandhi today asked Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to ensure that guilty in the Puttingal Devi Temple fire tragedy, which claimed over 100 lives and left over 350 injured, are immediately brought to book.
As the Kerala Government constituted a judicial inquiry which has been asked to submit its report in six months, Gandhi wrote to Chandy, "Providing medical relief, financial assistance and bringing the guilty to book immediately, will, I am sure, be a priority, and will be ensured without delay."
"I write to you in this hour of devastating tragedy that has taken more than a hundred lives and injured many more, to reiterate my grief and concern. The Congress Party, as indeed the entire nation, stands with people of Kerala today," the letter read.
"I am certain, that as discussed with you earlier over phone, the Government of Kerala is ensuring all possible relief measures in terms of medical treatment, emergency protocols and compensation," she wrote.
At least 106 people were killed and 383 injured in a devastating fire that engulfed the 100-year-old Puttingal Devi Temple complex near Kollam during an unauthorised display of fireworks early today.
A judicial probe by a retired High Court Judge has been ordered by the state government along with an investigation by Crime Branch into the tragedy, Chandy announced after an emergency Cabinet meeting over the tragedy.
The tragedy struck around 3.30 AM during display of fireworks at the temple complex, which is around 70 kms from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 10 2016 | 10:13 PM IST

Next Story