Kerala temple fire: Cops probe use of banned chemical in firecrackers

Kerala, April 11: The presence of some banned chemicals in the firecrackers used at the Puttingal temple at Kerala is under probe.

The Crime Branch of the Kerala police headed by ADGP, Anandakirshnan has begun its probe. After detaining 5 persons and filing 30 cases, the police is investigating one of the firecracker contractors too.

The Kerala police who are being assisted by Chief Controller of Explosives, Sudarshan Kamal are verifying the chemicals that were used in the firecrackers. What has stunned the investigators is the impact that the firecrackers caused.

Following the explosions, the administrative building of the temple was reduced to rubble. This indicates that some chemical which creates a major impact was used in the firecrackers.

A forensic test would reveal the exact nature of the chemicals present in the firecrackers, police officials informed.

Meanwhile, the crime branch is conducting raids at firecracker units. The team has already picked up five members of the firecracker manufacturing. The unit was given the contract by the temple to carry out a firecracker display on Sunday, April 11.

OneIndia News