Tue Dec 31 06:11:58 UTC 2024: ## Two Arrested After MLA’s Fall at Kochi Dance Event
**Kochi, December 30, 2024** – Two men have been arrested following the serious injury of Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas at a dance event in Kochi’s JLN stadium on Sunday. MT Krishnakumar and V Benny were taken into custody by Palarivattom police and released on station bail. Benny’s company, KK Productions, was responsible for the stage construction, including a VIP gallery deemed to lack adequate safety features, leading to Ms. Thomas’s fall. Shameer, CEO of Mridanga Vision, the event organizer, is also in custody.
The arrests follow an FIR filed against the event organizers under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Kerala Police Act related to public safety. Ms. Thomas remains in intensive care with injuries to her brain, lungs, and spine, requiring ventilator support for several days, according to a Monday morning medical bulletin. While her head injury shows no worsening, treatment focuses on her severe lung damage.
The incident, which occurred during a Bharatanatyam performance aiming for a Guinness World Record, has sparked controversy. Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya stated that organizers failed to comply with Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) agreements and are investigating whether necessary clearances were obtained. The GCDA also confirmed safety lapses in the temporary stage construction. The Public Works Department and Fire and Rescue Services are investigating the site.
The accident has also drawn political fire, with Congress leaders alleging serious safety failures and accusing both the GCDA and organizers of passing blame. Concerns were raised about a perceived lack of police oversight, especially given the presence of Culture Minister Saji Cheriyan at the event. Meanwhile, leaders from various political parties visited Ms. Thomas in the hospital, expressing hopes for her speedy recovery.
First Piper 