Kerala Police Chief had objected to PM Modi, Rahul's visit to Puttingal Devi Temple

Kollam: Kerala Police Chief TP Senkumar had objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's visit to Puttingal Devi Temple on the same day when the tragedy took place, reports said on Friday.

The top cop had raised concerns over high profile visit to the fire tragedy site as it would hamper rescue efforts. At least 113 people have been killed and scores injured after a huge stock of firecrackers went up in flames in Puttingal Devi Temple premises early on the morning of Sunday.

Meanwhile, reacting to state police chief's remarks, Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy said, PM's visit was a great relief to the people.

Justifying the high-profile visits, he said that the presence and advice of the national leaders came as a great help in the aftermath of the tragedy.

PM Modi on Sunday visited the Puttingal Devi Temple premises near here and took stock of the situation arising out of the mishap.

The Prime Minister went around the accident site littered with debris of the two buildings, including the ‘Kambapura’, storehouse where the crackers and fireworks display materials had been stocked, that were completely razed to the ground in the explosion. He later visited the Kollam district hospital to see the injured people.

On the same day, Rahul accompanied by senior congress leader, AK Antony and state Home Minister, Ramesh Chennithala too visited the site of the fire tragedy at the historic temple.