THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Additional chief secretary (home) Nalini Netto has sought a Crime Branch probe into the police lapses in the Puttingal fireworks tragedy. In a letter sent to state police chief Loknath Behera on January 7 in the backdrop of a Deccan Chronicle report that the police and revenue officials involved in the Puttingal mishap may go scot-free, Ms. Netto raised a set of questions regarding the police responsibility in the mishap, including the role of 'police leadership'. It may be recalled that Ms. Netto had differences with the then state police chief T.P. Senkumar in connection with the responsibility of the police and revenue officials for the tragedy.
While Ms. Netto recommended action against police officials, Mr. Senkumar defended the police stating that they alone could not be held responsible as revenue officials were also responsible. Ms. Netto raised the following points for a probe by the Crime Branch: Whether the Puttingal tragedy was an avoidable one?, would this tragedy have occurred had the police officials implemented the district magistrate's order banning the fireworks?, how can police be absolved from the charge of criminal negligence?, did the police seek additional manpower or request the presence of an executive magistrate?, what was the role of the police leadership and whether the prohibitory orders of fireworks were annulled at any point?
Meanwhile, a section of police officials said that the directives issued by Ms. Netto raised many eyebrows as the probe into the Puttingal mishap was progressing under the supervision of the High Court. As per norms, none above the state police chief can make any interventions in a police probe, sources said.
Incidentally, a petition was filed at the Vigilance special court here the other day alleging that Ms. Netto had fabricated several documents, including that of Puttingal fireworks, which became adverse to Mr. Senkumar and led to his exit from the state police chief’s post.
