Two arrested for cracker blast in station

Two persons, one of them a cracker dealer, have been arrested in connection with Tuesday's firecracker blast at Cholavandan railway station in which two persons died and nine were injured.

The arrested were Anandan of Ambathurai, a cracker manufacturer and seller; and Arumugam of Themmampatti, who allegedly supplied explosives to Anandan.

Inspector General of Police, South Zone, S S Krishnamoorthy, IG (Railways) C V Rao and City Police Commissioner Nandabalan told reporters in Madurai that Cases have been registered against the two under Sec 304(A) of the Indian Penal Code (negligence) and the Explosive Substances Act.

The blast occurred when a parcel containing fireworks supplied by Anandan exploded soon after it was offloaded from the Mayiladuthurai-Tirunelveli passenger train at Sholavandan station.

The dead were Raman (35), a relative of Anandan, who was carrying the parcel, and Paramasivam (60), a betel nut seller. Among the nine injured was station master Arumugam (51).

Southern Railway general manager M S Jayanth who visited the Sholavandan station as well as the hospital where the injured are being treated, told reporters that transport of explosives in trains was prohibited and special squads would check passengers' baggage in trains till Diwali.

Southern Railway divisional manager S K Kulshethra told reporters in Chennai that strict action would be taken against those found carrying firecrackers or other explosives in trains.

- Asian Tribune -