Inquiry Commission begins sitting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Justice M R Hariharan Nair Inquiry Commission probing into the Pulmedu stampede started its sitting here on Monday. The Commission is probing into the factors that led to the stampede which claimed the lives of 102 pilgrims who thronged the Pulmedu hillock to witness the Makarajyothi phenomenon on January 14, 2011.  The representatives of Sabarimala Ayyappa Seva Samajam, Viswa Hindu Parishad, Hindu Aikyavedi and Save Life Charitable Society appeared before the Commission and gave statements along with investigating officer Crime Branch DySP Johnson Joseph and Travancore Devaswom Board President M Rajagopalan Nair. The Commission also served notices on the Director General of Police, Travancore Devaswom Board, Kerala State Electricity Board, Irrigation Department, Chief Conservator of Forest, Director General of Fire and Rescue Services, Transport Commissioner, District Collectors of Idukki and Pathanamthitta, Superintendent of Police, Idukki and Divisional Forest Officer to submit the action taken report on August 12.  The Commission will visit Pulmedu on August 17 and inspect the area where the stampede took place. The commission also appointed DySP Johnson Joseph as its investigating officer.