KOCHI, India – The Kochi City police are taking action against places of worship that host unauthorized firework displays without obtaining prior permission. This decision follows an explosion at an alleged illegal firecracker storage unit in Puthiyakavu that resulted in one death and 16 injuries. The firecrackers were intended for a festival at Puthiyakavu Temple.
“We have formed a team to identify upcoming festivals in different police station limits, as February and March are festival season. We will issue warnings to all committees, informing them that legal action will be taken if they proceed with unauthorized firework displays,” said S. Syamsundar, District Police Chief (Kochi City).
After visiting the explosion site, District Collector N.S.K Umesh and MP Hibi Eden, Mr. Syamsundar stated that many firework displays were being organized illegally in the city without proper permission. The firecracker storage unit where the explosion occurred was found to be operating illegally without the necessary permissions.
The police were about to register a case under the Indian Explosives Act and the Indian Penal Code, including charges for culpable homicide, in relation to the incident. In addition, another case had been initiated for conducting a fireworks display without permission.
The secretary and president of Nadama Thekkumbhagam of Puthiyakavu Temple, along with other individuals, were booked for conducting a fireworks display without lawful authorization. Despite the tragedy, another fireworks display was conducted at the temple on the morning of the incident.
The police are taking a strong stance on unauthorized firework displays, especially as festival season approaches. With the potential danger posed by illegal firecracker storage and unauthorized displays, authorities are committed to preventing further tragedies.