Thiruvananthapuram: Even as the new LDF government was swift in sacking police chief T. P. Senkumar citing lapses in Puttingal fireworks tragedy, it seems the government's concerns over the tragedy that claimed 110 lives were a farce as the term of the judicial commission has already expired, and the crime branch probe is dragging on. The six-month term of the Justice Krishnan Nair commission appointed to probe into the mishap expired on October 21, and it could not start the procedure as the government failed to provide staff or other supports.
The commission's request for further extension of its term is pending with the government. "If the government gives extension and more importantly provide necessary staff, the commission could kick off the probe," Justice Krishnan Nair told DC. Meanwhile, even as the crime branch investigation was almost over about two months back, the vetting of the charge sheet is progressing at a snail's pace. It is also learnt that the crime branch is under pressure to keep revenue and police officials off from criminal liability.
"It is a big case, and it would take more time to complete," crime branch IG Balaram Kumar Upadhyay said. An enquiry by the Centre led by the joint chief controller of explosives, A. K. Yadav, into the April 10 tragedy had found serious lapses on the part of the revenue and police officials. While the revenue officials were held responsible for delayed decision on the application for fireworks, the police was held responsible for lapses in effective enforcement of the ban. It was learnt that the crime branch team had found about 60 persons guilty of criminal charges. The report is being vetted by higher-ups.
