File murder case against IOC: VS Achuthanadan

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The death toll in the LPG tanker blast at Chala, Kannur in Kerala rose to 16 with five more persons succumbing to injuries on Saturday making it as the largest tanker disaster in the state.

The previous was the tanker accident at Karunagappally which had claimed lives of 12 persons.

The state government should file a case of murder against the Indian Oil Corporation for the LPG tanker blast that had killed 15 people so far and caused grievous injuries to many others, said Opposition leader V.S. Achuthanadan, here on Saturday.

Echoing the Opposition leader’s statement, CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan also asked the state and central governments to declare the blast as a national disaster.

The IOC should pay Rs 10 lakh each to the dependents of those killed, Achuthanadan said after inspecting Chala, the place that was devastated in the mishap on Monday night.

The government should also meet the entire medical expenses of those undergoing treatment and provide jobs to the nearest relatives of those killed in the accident.

A comprehensive rehabilitation project should be prepared and implemented, he added. A judicial probe will also help formulate a comprehensive regulatory system for vehicles carrying hazardous goods like gas, he added.

Pinarayi Vijayan was also of the opinion that the state government, the prime minister and the Indian Oil Corporation should join hands to provide adequate compensation to the victims.

Pinarayi also said that the government should announce a special financial package to help those who had been physically incapacitated by the blast. The government should provide jobs to those who were affected, yet capable of working, he added.

Pinarai Vijayan was accompanied by other leaders of the Left Democratic Front. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and others reached the spot early followed by the Opposition leader.