Chandy orders judicial probe

 The Kerala government on Sunday ordered a judicial probe into the firework tragedy at Puttingal Temple in Paravur.

 Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, after a special meeting of the state Cabinet in Kollam, said retired judge N Krishnan Nair will head the probe.

The commission is expected to function over six months; additional chief secretary Nalini Netto has been assigned to prepare the terms of reference for the probe.
Crime Branch Additional Director General of Police Ananthakrishnan will lead a separate investigation on the incident.

The Crime Branch will take over the case originally registered by Paravur police based on provisions under the Explosives Act and IPC Section 304. Chandy said a fresh set of guidelines will also be prepared for conducting competitive fireworks. The government has sought permission from the Election Commission to disburse financial assistance to the affected. The police conducted raids in different parts of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram.

Unconfirmed reports said five people, attached to the contractor who organised the firework display at the Puttingal temple, were arrested.

Prominent members of the trust which manages the temple have remained untraceable since the incident.