Another life lost in Nileswaram fireworks accident, death toll reaches five

KASARAGOD: Rajith (28), a resident of Kinavoor, succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Mangalore, raising the death toll from the recent fireworks accident at Nileswaram to five.

The incident, which took place during the fireworks display at the Anjuttambalam Sri Veerarkav Temple in Nileswaram, had already claimed the lives of Shibin Raj of Cheruvathur, K. Biju (38) from Karinthalam Kollanpara, Ratheesh (32) from Kinavoor and Sandeep (38), who was undergoing treatment in Kannur. More than 150 people were injured in the accident, which has since been declared a state calamity.

In response to the tragedy, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) sanctioned Rs.1 crore for relief efforts. This decision was taken at a recent state executive committee meeting.

Legal proceedings related to the case are also underway. The District Sessions Court has upheld the voluntary cancellation of bail for the temple committee president, Chandrasekaran, and secretary, Bharathan, who were implicated in the incident. Hozdurg Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court has been directed to issue arrest warrants for the accused. Previously, the Hozdurg court had granted bail to the suspects, but this has now been revoked following an appeal by the investigation team.

Meanwhile, two other accused, Pallikkara Rajesh and Vijayan, who were directly involved in handling the fireworks, remain in jail as the investigation continues.