Fireworks unit blast: SIT probe underway, DGP says cause to be ascertained soon
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): Kerala State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar on Wednesday said a comprehensive probe is underway to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit at Mundathicode in Thrissur district which had killed at least 13 people and injured many.
He said a Special Investigation Team (SIT), under the aegis of the Thrissur City Police Commissioner, has been constituted to carry out the investigation, adding that additional forensic teams from nearby districts have been deployed to assist the probe.
“The entire focus yesterday was on rescue operations. A comprehensive probe is underway to find out the exact cause for the mishap. By this evening, we will be able to ascertain what caused the blast,” Chandrasekhar told the media here.
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He said it was too early to ascertain whether there was any sabotage behind the incident, but assured that all angles, including forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts, would be examined.
The DGP said around 32 people were confirmed to have been present at the site at the time of the accident, though the possibility of more persons being there cannot be ruled out.
He also said the Thrissur City Police Commissioner and DIG had reached the spot soon after the incident and led the rescue operations, which were carried out jointly by the police, fire force and local residents.
The DGP is expected to visit the blast site later in the day.
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), at least 13 people were suspected to have died in the explosion till Tuesday night, while around 40 persons were believed to have been present in the sheds when the incident occurred.
The explosion took place around 3.30 pm on Tuesday at a fireworks unit engaged in cracker preparation for a temple devaswom ahead of the upcoming Thrissur Pooram on April 26.
Residents said intermittent blasts continued after the initial explosion, hampering rescue efforts.
The firecrackers were being manufactured in multiple temporary sheds set up in an isolated paddy field area, they added.
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Karnataka: US national woman sexaully assaulted at homestay in Karnataka, 2 held
Kodagu (Karnataka) (PTI): A US national was allegedly sexually assaulted by the staff of a homestay in this district, police said on Wednesday.
The incident occurred a week ago at a home stay in Kutta village in Kodagu, they said.
Police said the staff, a native of Jharkhand, who worked in the hospitality section of the homestay has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The owner of the homestay has also been arrested in connection with the incident for failing to bring to the notice of the police authorities the matter when the woman complained about the alleged sexual assault to him, a senior police officer said.
According to police, the woman alleged that her drink was spiked and then sexually assaulted by the staff at the homestay.
Later, when she approached the homestay owner about the assault, he allegedly attempted to suppress it and disconnected WiFi services for three days, preventing her from contacting anyone during that period.
After regaining access, she allegedly left the premises under the pretext of traveling to Mysuru.
She had approached US consulate and the police.
Based on her complaint, a case of sexual assault was registered and all due procedures were followed, the officer said, adding that the accused have been arrested in connection with the incident.
