Pulmedu, Saturday, January 15, 2011: State Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today informed that a comprehensive enquiry would be conducted in to the tragedy which claimed the lives of 102 pilgrims at Pulmedu in Vandiperiyar on Friday night. “The nature and scope of the enquiry will be announced by the Chief Minister who will visit the Sabarimala area today. All the same, the enquiry will be such that it covers all aspects of the situation,” he added.

Of these 54 pilgrims have been identified. There are at least five children among the dead. Most of those dead are believed to have come to Sabarimala from Tamil Nadu. Dozens injured-many of them seriously-are being treated at various hospitals at Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Kottayam.

The chain of events that led to the tragedy began shortly after 7 p.m. on Friday when lakhs of devotees witnessed the Makajyothi — a climactic event in the ‘Makaravikakku’ season at the hill-top shrine. Tens of thousands had gathered on Pulmedu, a hilltop from where it is believed that the ‘jyothi’ can be seen clearly. From Vandiperiayar to Pulmedu is a hazardous trip for both man and vehicle through a very narrow path that winds its way through the Periyar Tiger Reserve.

By the time the Makarajyothi was sighted at the Ponnambalamedu, it was already pitch dark at Pulmedu. Moments after pilgrims started streaming back down this jungle path-guided mostly by feeble torch lights-a jeep carrying pilgrims reportedly lost control, rammed another vehicle and overturned. This led to a sudden build up of pilgrims, all jostling to make their way down the steep path. Very quickly panic set in, resulting in a stampede.

District authorities have opened a control room in Kumily. The telephone numbers are 04869-222049, 252244.

Late on Friday night the Pulmedu stampede was declared a natonal disaster and Defence Minister A.K. Antony-who is in Kerala-asked the armed forces to assist in every manner possible in the rescue effort. A special team of the National Disaster Response Force is expected to reach Sabarimala shortly.

(News Agency inputs)