Kochi: Clearing the names of politicians in the Puttingal tragedy, the Crime Branch submitted before the High Court that the investigation team could not trace anything to prove external intervention to give clearance for the fireworks display. The police noted the same as a reason not to arraign any other persons as accused. There was no influence from extra-constitutional power centres. There were allegations that senior political leaders in the region had exerted pressure on the police and district administration to obtain no- objection certificate for the fireworks.
“The political leaders- ex-MP Peethambara Kurup, G.S. Jayalal MLA and Congress leader Sooranadu Rajasekharan had called the police officers, but when they told them of the technical reasons involved in the matter, they dropped their attempt," the affidavit stated. The court had asked to find out the extra-constitutional body which had allegedly exerted pressure on the police and revenue authorities in conducting competitive fireworks display at the temple.
The affidavit stated that the temple committee members had wanted to conduct the fireworks display competition at any cost as they were unable to stop it since it had been a traditional event of the temple. The NOC was issued by the police on the second application solely by considering the fact that it was a traditional belief of the community. The district administration had recommended only a ritualistic display following all the rules and security measures.
