Puri, May 3: Four firecracker traders from the Gop and Chharichhak areas in Puri district have been detained by Kumbharpada police for questioning regarding the tragic cracker explosion in Puri, claiming 13 lives.
The incident occurred during the Chapakela festivities at Narendra Puskarani (Narendra Pond) on May 29 night. Among the deceased are several children, while 17 others are currently receiving treatment in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar hospitals.
The State Revenue Commission (SRC) is leading the investigation, and the Chief Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased, along with free treatment for the injured. Locals have alleged that unauthorized crackers were ignited during Chapakhela, pointing fingers at police and fire personnel for negligence. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the bereaved families to offer his condolences yesterday.
