3 arrested for cracker blaze in Kendrapada

KENDRAPADA: Three persons were arrested on Friday for the firecracker blast that injured 45 people during the immersion ceremony of Kartikeswar idol in Kendrapada district on Wednesday night.
The arrested persons were identified as Arakhit Mallick, Chintu Das and Bharat Chandra Mallick.
The incident took place at Balia market, 6 km from Kendrapada town under Kendrapada Sadar police station when various groups were taking part in a firecracker competition at the immersion venue. Police said 10 of the injured people are battling for life in SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.
"A case was registered under IPC sections 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others), 286 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance). All the arrested persons were produced in a local court. The court rejected their bail applications and remanded them in jail custody. More persons are likely to be arrested in this case. We have formed a special team to nab them. Some of the accused sustained burn injuries and are undergoing treatment in hospital," said Pabitra Moharana, inspector in-charge, Kendrapada Sadar police station.
"The administration allowed only the immersion procession. But the organizers illegally held firecracker shows on the state highway at Balia. As per preliminary investigation, sparks fell on a cracker shop igniting stored firecrackers," he said.
The fireworks display is part of a decade-old tradition during the immersion procession of Kartikeswar idol. Around nine puja committees participated in the shows in the presence of hundreds of people.