THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kollam CPM district secretary K.N. Balagopal has accused a section of Congress leaders of influencing the local police for allowing the banned competitive fireworks at Puttingal Devi temple.
He told reporters that the competitive fireworks could not have been held without the connivance of politicians. There was silent support of the revenue officials and a section of police which promoted the organisers to hold the fireworks that led to the horrible tragedy.
The role of Congress leaders, revenue officials and police should be brought within the purview of the judicial probe, he said. “At a time when rescue, relief and medical rehabilitation efforts are going on in full swing, we don't want to politicise the issue. But that should not be taken as an excuse for covering up the incident and shielding the guilty,” he added. He accused the government of trying to downplay the disaster.
