Uma Thomas Accident: Three, including event organisers, arrested
Kochi: In connection with the incident in which MLA Uma Thomas suffered serious injuries after falling from a 15-foot-high temporary stage at Kaloor Stadium in Kochi, three persons have been arrested. The arrested individuals are Mridangam Vision CEO Shameer Abdul Raheem, Event India proprietor M T Krishnakumar and Benny who constructed the stage. The action was taken after identifying severe lapses in the organisation of the event. Further arrests are likely in the coming days.
The mega Bharatanatyam event was organised by Mridangam Vision, which had subcontracted the execution to Oscar Event Management. Oscar, in turn, had assigned the responsibility to another contractor. Krishnakumar, the proprietor of Oscar, had handled the stadium booking as well as arrangements for fire safety, police and medical facilities.
An investigation into the safety violations is being jointly conducted by the police, Public Works Department and Fire and Rescue Services. Officials visited the site on Monday and collected information, with a report expected shortly. The City Police Commissioner, Putta Vimaladitya, stated that a detailed examination of all aspects, from event organisation to execution, would be undertaken to pinpoint where the lapses occurred.
It was found that the stage, constructed without adhering to proper safety guidelines, failed to meet standards for venues hosting dignitaries, including Ministers and other VIPs. Police inspected the accident site on Sunday night itself. The stage, measuring 55 feet in length and 8 feet in width, had seating arrangements. Weak queue barriers were used to create handrails, which contributed to the mishap.
GCDA (Greater Cochin Development Authority) has stated in court that the structure endangered human lives and did not comply with safety standards. Cases have been registered under multiple Sections, including IPC 125, 125(b), 3(5) and KAP Act 118(e).
Organisers seek anticipatory bail
The organisers, Mridangam Vision managing director Wayanad Meppathiyil Nigosh Kumar (40) and Oscar Event Management proprietor Thrissur Poothol P S Janish (45), have filed anticipatory bail applications. They claim that the incident did not result from negligence.
A petition filed by the MLA's staff member Shalu Vincent had earlier led to a case being registered by the Palarivattom Police.
The organisers’ petition for anticipatory bail is being reviewed by the High Court Bench on Tuesday. They argue that they are not at fault and no negligence occurred in organising the event.