Thiruvananthapuram, Sunday, January 16, 2011: The probe by Crime Branch wing of Kerala Police to ascertain the cause for the Sabarimala stampede that claimed 102 lives, began today.

Crime Branch officials visited the accident spot and took evidences. Forensic experts also visited Pullmedu area where the mishap occurred on Friday, officials said.

Besides, the Crime Branch probe, Kerala government had also decided to hold a judicial inquiry into the mishap that occurred when over 100 people returning from the shrine were killed when a jeep went out of control and ploughed into devotees in a narrow forest stretch at Pullumedu in Idukki district, triggering a stampede.

Initial reports had stated that a minor accident involving a jeep and an auto rickshaw led to a commotion triggering the stampede.

(News Agency)