MADURAI: The Madurai bench of the Madras high court on Wednesday ordered an interim
compensation
of Rs 3 lakh each to the families of nine people who died due to a
fire accident at a cracker shop in
Sivakasi on October 20.
The fire broke out while crackers were being unloaded. Eight people at an adjacent scan centre, including patients and staff, were suffocated to death. A doctor at the scan centre, who was in a coma after the accident, succumbed to his injuries on October 24.
The high court bench took up this accident as a suo motu public interest litigation. Virudhunagar district superintendent of police M Rajarajan appeared before the court on Wednesday. He informed the court that the police had registered more than hundred cases relating to fire accidents from 2010 to 2016.
As many as 58 of the accidents had led to loss of lives. Out of the 58 cases, 16 cases ended in acquittals while 25 cases are under trial and 16 cases are under investigation. The court was told that the people affected did not cooperate with investigation as they had received some monetary relief from the employers.
The government side told the court that the scan centre was functioning without a valid licence.
After hearing arguments of explosive and revenue authorities, the court said it was not satisfied with their statements and it would order a CBI probe. However, the government side assured the court a proper investigation in the case, following which it ordered an interim compensation.
The superintendent of police of the Virudhunagar district should give the compensation amount under the Victim Compensation Scheme on or before November 25, the court said.
The court allowed the deputy superintendent of police to continue the investigation and directed the superintendent of police to monitor the probe. The court told the police that the owner of the scan centre should not be arrested.
Explore the yearly horoscope 2025 for Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes, messages and quotes.Saravanan is based in Salem and report on the city and the surrou...
Read MoreSaravanan is based in Salem and report on the city and the surrounding districts including Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri. Mainly an agrarian region, Salem and its neighbourhood also have a smattering of industries, big and small, including steel, textiles and food products. He has written extensively on public affairs including politics, civic affairs and crime as well as agriculture produce incIuding mango, coconut, tapioca etc
Read Less