Kerala temple tragedy: Quintals of explosives recovered in crackdown on illegal storehouses

A day after the worst fire tragedy in the country claimed over 100 lives in Puttingal temple in Kollam district of Kerala, the police swung into action and recovered explosives from the several illegal storehouses in the neighbouring areas of the temple. 

Kerala temple tragedy: Quintals of explosives recovered in crackdown on illegal storehouses
Photo: PTI

New Delhi: A day after the worst fire tragedy in the country claimed over 100 lives in Puttingal temple in Kollam district of Kerala, the police swung into action and recovered explosives from the several illegal storehouses in the neighbouring areas of the temple. 

According to the latest media reports, police have recovered three explosive-laden cars, which were parked just a few kilometers away from the Puttingal temple. The bomb squad have reached the spot were rushed to the spot to diffuse and seize the explosives.  

Car owners have been identified as SS Thushara, Surendran KL and Stalin Almeda. Thushara, Surendran KL and Stalin Almeda. 

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Ananthakrishnan told that the explosives are firecrackers which were supposed to be used for fireworks but since the accident took place they weren't used. 

During another raid, police recovered a huge amount of explosives from a godown in Thiruvananthapuram. About 150 kg of explosive was kept in gunny bags. Whereas, as per the law, a godown can store upto 15 kg of explosives.

At least 100 kg of explosive materials was also seized from a storehouse at nearby Attingal.

The unchecked storage of illegal explosives at a large scale shows how the God's own land has been over a 'bomb' and the recent Puttingal temple incident acted as a wake up call for the police and administration.

In one of the worst tragedies to hit Kerala, at least 109 people were killed and over 380 injured when an illegal fireworks show set off massive explosions and caused a huge blaze at the Puttingal temple in Kollam district on early Sunday.  

Zee News App: Read latest news of India and world, bollywood news, business updates, cricket scores, etc. Download the Zee news app now to keep up with daily breaking news and live news event coverage.