Kerala temple fire- A local politician under police radar

A local leader alleged to have given verbal permission for the firecracker show at the Puttingal temple is now under the radar of the Kerala police.

During the course of the investigations, it was learnt that the temple authorities were given a verbal go ahead by this local leader despite there being a ban on a firecracker show.

On Sunday a major explosion at the temple claimed the lives of over 100 persons.

Meanwhile, the number of temple committee officials who have surrendered before the police has gone up to seven. Earlier 5 persons had surrendered.

Two more surrendered before the Chattanoor police station later. The police are questioning the officials about how the show was conducted despite the local administration restricting the same.

The police want to know the name of the leader who had given verbal permission to conduct the show.
The police are also awaiting the forensic results to ascertain the chemical used in the firecrackers.

A preliminary probe has indicated the presence of the banned potassium chlorate in the firecrackers. The banned chemical could have been used for additional effect, officials say.