As the police have begun its investigation into the explosion in a house at Podikkundu here late night on March 24 that left scores of houses in the area damaged and at least five people injured, the residents here demanded a special package of compensation for the damages.
Over 70 houses suffered damages in the huge blast that ripped through a house at Rajendra Nagar Colony at Podikkundu under the Kannur town police station limits around midnight on Thursday.
The preliminary investigation found that the explosives used for making fireworks kept inside the house went off. A person identified as Anoop, was arrested in connection with the explosion. The police said that Anoop, who had been accused in cases of illegally keeping explosives earlier, was arrested, as he was residing in the rented house where explosion took place on Thursday night.
According to the police, Anoop is a supplier of fireworks for temple festivals. He had rented the house in the name of Rahila, who is said to be his present wife. Rahila and her 14-year-old daughter were injured in the blast.
The residents of Podikkundu said that the houses suffered serious damages in the explosion. They said that after the Revenue authorities estimated the losses caused by the explosion, the authorities would submit a representation to the government demanding compensation for the damages. The blast had occurred because of the indifference of the police, they said.
Revenue officials said that five houses were completely damaged in the explosion. Nearly 15 houses suffered partial damages and more than 50 houses sustained minor damages. The house where the explosion took place was completed destroyed. Forensic experts examined the spot on Saturday.
