Sabarimala stampede: Kerala CM orders judicial probe

Idukki (Kerala), Jan 15 (IBNS) The death toll in Kerala’s Sabarimala pilgrim tragedy of Friday night rose to 104 on Saturday even as the state government ordered a judicial enquiry into the stampede.

State Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, visiting the stampede site, announced of the judicial probe after a meeting with ministers, local legislators and government officials.

Achuthanandan refused to speculate on what triggered the tragedy and said the judicial enquiry will reveal the details.

He assured of all possible help from the government for relief and rescue operations.

The state government has announced of ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh to next of kin of those killed.

Those with serious injuries will be given a relief of Rs 50,000 each and Rs 25,000 each will be given to those with less serious injuries.

The Prime Minister has already announced that the Centre would give another Rs 1 lakh each to the families of deceased and Rs 50,000 each to injured.

Meanwhile, senior government officials on Saturday said the toll has touched 104 though state Finance Minister Thomas Isaac has confirmed death reports of 102 people.

“The total number of dead is 102 while 56 bodies could be identified,” said Isaac.

He said an auto rickshaw accident led to the stampede in Idukki district that killed over 100 and wounded many.