MADURAI
D. Prabhu of Chennimalai, who was arrested on a charge of negligence that led to the death of trekkers in Kurangani forest fire on Sunday, was remanded in judicial custody on Thursday.
Theni Superintendent of Police V. Baskaran said Prabhu, who had organised the trekking for a 12-member team from Erode and Tiruppur districts, on behalf of Tour De Holidays, had not even taken the minimum precautionary measures to take care of a minor accident to the trekkers.
The trekkers faced various types of dangers – from wild animals, wildfire and even accidental fall in hilly terrains. “But, he had not taken precautionary measure for any of the possibility,” the SP said. A special team of police from Theni had picked him up from his home town on Wednesday.
Prabhu has been booked under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code for causing hurt and grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others, culpable homicide not amounting to murder and under the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act.
This is the first arrest made in connection with the tragedy, in which 14 persons have died and a few others are battling for life.
