Tue Dec 31 03:40:54 UTC 2024: ## MLA Uma Thomas Remains Critical After Stage Collapse; Three Arrested
**Kochi, Kerala:** MLA Uma Thomas, injured in a stage collapse at the Kalur Stadium during a Bharatnatyam performance, remains in critical but stable condition. A medical board will convene at 10 am today to assess her condition and determine the next course of action. Doctors are closely monitoring her to see if she can be removed from the ventilator, but her brain injury and lung damage remain serious, and she has not yet overcome the immediate danger. Recovery is expected to take considerable time, as improvement in her lung condition is crucial before her brain injury can fully heal.
Meanwhile, Kochi police have arrested three people in connection with the incident: Benny, a resident of Mulanturutty who constructed the stage; Shemeer Abdul Raheem, CEO of Mridanga Mission; and Krishna Kumar, event manager for Oscar Events. They have been charged with bailable offences. The CEO and MD of Mridanga Vision has approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail.
The incident occurred during a Bharatnatyam performance titled “Mridanga Nadam,” led by Divya Unni, aiming for a Guinness World Record. MLA Thomas was injured when a section of the VIP gallery collapsed. The event was organized by Wayanad Mridanga Vision. Allegations of large-scale fund collection (₹3 crore from 12,000 participants) for the Guinness record attempt are also being investigated. An audio message from a dance teacher suggesting a ₹3500 fee for learning a single devotional song and receiving a certificate and sari has surfaced, raising further concerns.
First Piper 