Kozhikode: R. Keerthi, Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, Northern Region, visited Manakulangara Temple in Koyilandy as part of the preliminary probe into the tragic stampede that claimed three lives on Friday night. The IFS official stated that the preliminary report would be submitted to the Forest Minister on Friday itself.

She pointed out that the temple had obtained permission to parade two elephants for the festival.

“A detailed investigation will be conducted to determine whether the temple authorities violated the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rules, 2012,” the official told the media.

“The forest department officials will collect statements from the injured after visiting them in hospitals. We have learned that the temple authorities maintained the minimum required distance as per the rules while parading the two elephants. However, we will cross-check that as well. If any rule violations are found, stringent action will be recommended,” said Keerthi.

Meanwhile, nine wards of Koyilandy municipality are observing a hartal in response to the tragedy. The wards observing the hartal from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday are Kakrattukunnu, Aruvayal, Anela, Kuruvangadu, Kanayankode, Varakunnu, Manamel, Komathukara, and Kothamangalam.

Autopsy completed
The autopsy of the three victims killed in the tragedy was completed at Government Medical College Hospital on Friday. The deceased were identified as Thazhekkuni Leela (62) and Thaikkandy Ammukkutty (70), both from Kuruvangadu, and Vadakkayil Rajan (68) from Uralloor.

The stampede occurred at the Devi Temple after two elephants ran amok during fireworks on Thursday night.

Following the autopsy, the bodies will be taken for a public homage at Mavinchuvadu Junction in Kuruvangadu before being handed over to their families for the funeral.