KOLLAM: A day after fingers were pointed at some prominent political leaders who were allegedly involved in putting pressure on the officials to allow competitive fireworks (mathsara kambam) at the Puttingal temple, the Inquiry Officer A K Yadav has sent summons to N Peethambara Kurup, former MP and present chairman of Guruvayur Devaswom, to be present before the inquiry panel at noon on Saturday. It was on Thursday that the temple committee members named Kurup as well as some sitting MLAs and a former MLA whose help was sought for conducting the ‘kambam.’
While deposing before the inquiry panel, the other day, Puttingal temple secretary J Krishnankutty Pillai had said that, following the denial of permission for competitive fireworks by District Collector A Shainamol, the temple committee had sought the help of political leaders to persuade the authorities. “After receiving the District Collector’s fax denying permission for the conduct of competitive fireworks from the Paravoor Village Office, we sought the help of political leaders. Peethambara Kurup then said that he will try his level best to do something favourable to us,” Krishnankutty Pillai said.
It was on the basis of this statement that the inquiry panel decided to summon Kurup for his alleged involvement in the conduct of the ‘kambam’ which led to the death of 110 people on April 10.
Meanwhile, the summons issued to Kurup has come as a surprise move as the Crime Branch which is inquiring into the Puttingal temple tragedy is yet to admit any political interference.
Though the Crime Branch is well aware of the involvement of some prominent leaders and officers holding high posts in the incident, they were of the opinion that charges against them will not stand as there is no material evidence to prove their involvement.
On Friday, the inquiry panel recorded the statements of former Chathanoor ACP M S Santhosh, Paravoor Sub Inspector Justin John, Parippally Sub Inspector S Jayakrishnan, Fire Force personnel and some accused persons. In the final sitting on Saturday, the statements of District Collector A Shainamol, City Police Commissioner P Prakash, ADM and others will be recorded.