Kochi, Thursday, January 20, 2011: The Kerala High Court today asked the Travancore Devaswom Board to clarify whether Makara Jyothi was man made. The Court also directed the board to explain the difference between Makara Vilaku and Makara Jyothi.

A Division Bench of the HC came down heavily on the State Government and the Devaswom Board pondering it would be better to deny entry of pilgrims to Pullumedu, in case basic facilities cannot be assured. The Court asked why the Government had failed to ensure facilities even after Pullumedu was identified as a spot gap for Sabarimala pilgrims.

The reports filed by Travancore Devaswom Board and the state police regarding the Pullumedu tragedy, which claimed 102 pilgrims ran in different lines. While the Devaswom Board cited lack of necessary personnel as the reason for the mishap, the Police claimed there was no lack of effort from their part.

The report filed by N Vasu, Devaswom Commissioner says irregular parking paved way for the cruel tragedy, complaining enough police force was not present at Pullumedu, the cite of mishap. The commissioner also submitted before the court that Devaswom board lacked permissions to provide basic facilities. More than one lakh pilgrims had assembled at the tragic site and the unprecedented rush of the pilgrims through a narrow path added to the causality.

Meanwhile the report filed by DGP says 279 policemen were posted at Pullumedu. Police too informed court of lack of permission to ensure facilities for parking, since the area comes under the Periyar tiger reserve zone. Separate area for parking was not granted for parking because of this. Nearly 2000 vehicles were there at Pullumedu.

The Forest Department informed court 60 officials were on duty at the accident spot.