Uma’s fall: Event organizer held, firm’s account frozen

Kochi: The proprietor of Mridanga Vision, M Nigoshkumar, the main organizer of the Bharatanatyam event held at the Kaloor stadium, who appeared before the police as per a high court directive, was arrested on Thursday. He is among the five accused in a case registered by Palarivattom police for criminal negligence and attempted culpable homicide in connection with Uma Thomas, MLA, falling off a 14-foot-high temporary stage built for the event.Police said that he was being questioned in detail. However, another accused, PS Janeesh, owner of Thrissur-based Oscar Event Management, did not appear despite the HC directive. Both were directed to appear before police by HC while considering their pre-arrest bail plea. Police sources said that a bank account of Mridanga Vision with Rs 38 lakh in balance has been frozen.Meanwhile, the footage of the MLA's horrific fall surfaced on social media on Thursday. Kochi city police commissioner Putta Vimaladitya can be seen right next to her. His reflex action to extend his hands to help her was also seen in video.The commissioner told the media that a detailed investigation has been launched into the financial dealings of Mridanga Vision. He said that a case has been registered for charges including criminal breach of trust and cheating and dishonestly inducing someone to deliver property.Vimaladitya added that statements of witnesses are being recorded and bank documents are being verified to find who they have taken money from and how much they have taken.He added that PWD officers have given a report about the unscientific construction of the stage.Meanwhile, actress Divya Unni, who was part of the event, left for the US where she is staying. The commissioner said she will be questioned only if needed.Med team assesses MLA's health condition A joint medical team that visited the MLA on Thursday informed that her health condition is significantly improving.The team, led by Dr Jayakumar, superintendent of Kottayam Medical College and a renowned expert in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, was formed following the direction of health minister Veena George. They evaluated the MLA's current health status and potential future complications at its meeting.Meanwhile, police have issued a notice to the GCDA seeking information on the conditions specified in the agreement with Mridanga Vision. Min cites security lapses Minister for culture Saji Cherian told the media on Thursday that the accident was due to security lapses. He said placing chairs in the front row of the stage was dangerous and that he also would have fallen from the stage.