Kochi: The Ernakulam Judicial Magistrate Court granted interim bail to three individuals arrested in connection with the alleged safety lapses during a dance event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, which led to MLA Uma Thomas falling from a gallery and sustaining serious injuries.

Interim bail was granted to Shameer Abdul Raheem (38), the second accused and CEO of Mridangam Vision; MT Krishnakumar (45), the fourth accused and proprietor of Event India; and V Benny (53), the fifth accused who built the VIP gallery without proper safety measures. The case will be reviewed on January 3, and until then, the accused will remain on interim bail.

The High Court has instructed Wayanad Meppathiyil Nigosh Kumar (40), the first accused and managing director of Mridangam Vision, along with the third accused, Oscar Event Management proprietor P S Janish (45) of Thrissur, to appear before the investigating officer on Thursday.

The accident took place during a mega Bharatanatyam program held at the Kaloor Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, aimed at setting a Guinness World Record. MLA Uma Thomas sustained serious injuries after falling from the 18-foot-high inaugural stage. The incident occurred around 6:30 pm on Sunday, prior to the commencement of the event. 

The fall happened as she walked forward to greet someone after sitting on a chair on the stage. She lost her balance when she grabbed a ribbon tied to a temporary railing at the edge. She fell onto a concrete slab, hitting her head. She was immediately rushed to Palarivattom Renai Medicity Hospital in an ambulance.