Thiruvananthapuram

On Wednesday, the Kerala government announced that it would cover the medical expenses for individuals injured in the fireworks accident in Nileshwaram, located in the Kasaragod district. This decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

In response to the incident, the Human Rights Commission has taken notice, instructing the District Collector and Superintendent of Police to submit a report within 15 days. The police have arrested an additional suspect named Vijayan from Nileshwaram Kotrachal, bringing the total number of arrests to four. Vijayan was reportedly present during the fireworks display.

Earlier, three individuals, including the President of the Veerarkavu Temple Committee, were arrested after the fireworks display injured 154 people during the Theyyam festival celebrations. The Kasaragod District Police has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the accident, filing charges against eight temple committee members for conducting the fireworks without permission and violating safety regulations. According to the FIR, negligence led to the fire.

The incident occurred around 12:30 am on Tuesday during the Kaliyattam festival at the Anjootambalam Veerarkavu Temple. The injured individuals have been taken to various hospitals for treatment. Following the tragedy, Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan expressed his shock, highlighting the significance of the Theyyam festival in the region.