Veerarakavu temple chief, 3 arrested in Kerala firecracker tragedy

Kasaragod (Kerala):

Nileshwaram police on Tuesday said three people, including the Veerarakavu temple committee president, have been arrested in connection with a fireworks accident that left 154 people injured during Theyyam festival celebrations at the temple.

The incident occurred during the Kaliyattam festival at Anjutambalam Veerarakavu temple in the early hours of Tuesday.

Earlier on Tuesday, Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan confirmed that 154 people were injured in a fireworks accident during a festive event at the Veerarakavu temple in Kasaragod, Kerala.

“Last night shocking news came from Nileshwaram in Kasaragod district. Around 154 people have been injured and admitted to various hospitals. This Theyyam festival is a custom of the people of North Malabar. Every family is organizing Theyyam. Theyyam starts from this Veerarakavu temple. This is the beginning of this year's Theyyam,” Unnithan told ANI.

The blast took place from the fireworks storage area of ​​the Veerarakavu temple complex in Kasaragod. The injured victims have been admitted to various hospitals.

“The incident occurred around 12.30 am during the annual Kaliyattam festival at Anjuthambalam Veerarakavu temple. The injured have been admitted to various hospitals.” By the grace of God, only 150 people were injured in this incident. Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan said, “The police were not alert about the festival.”

“By the grace of God, only 150 people were injured in the incident. The police were not alert about the festival,” he said.