Kerala cops blame delayed 'Makara Vilakku' for stampede

This report comes in the backdrop of the trading of accusations by different agencies and Travancore Devaswom Board on the cause of the stampede.

The police have been asked to submit the report on Thursday in the High Court.

According to the police, the “vilakku” was sighted at 7:10 pm which was at least 10 minutes late.

As it got delayed, it became darker. In the absence of any lights, the pilgrims rushed down after the event, panicked at the slightest provocation and the ensuing melee led to the tragedy.

The police have been claiming that there were adequate number of police personnel to control the crowd at Pullumedu. However, the department does not seem to be sure about the exact number with Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and the police officers furnishing different figures.