Police have launched an investigation into financial irregularities surrounding the Kaloor stadium dance event, where MLA Uma Thomas suffered injuries due to safety lapses.
Published Jan 01, 2025 | 4:42 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 01, 2025 | 4:42 PM
Actor Divya Unni, MLA Uma Thomas, and dancers performing at the event
In a fresh twist to the Kaloor Stadium accident case, the Palarivattom Police have launched an investigation into allegations of financial exploitation linked to the Bharatanatyam dance event.
Kerala MLA Uma Thomas suffered life-threatening injuries during the event after a fall caused by severe safety lapses.
Following the event and subsequent scrutiny over the alleged mismanagement that led to the accident, reports began emerging of organisers collecting money under false pretences, including for costumes and other expenses.
After receiving complaints from parents, the police registered a case and began recording statements at the office of the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Kochi.
Investigators are examining the financial dealings of the organisers, focusing on money collected for the event.
Reports indicate that the organisers procured 12,500 sarees from Kalyan Silks, which were custom-designed and supplied within a limited timeframe for the event. Although the sarees were initially purchased at ₹390 each, it later emerged that the organisers resold them at ₹1,600 per piece. This substantial price increase has sparked allegations of profiteering and exploitation.
Sponsors, including Kalyan Silks, have been asked to provide details about their involvement.
The organizers of the ‘Mridanganadam’ event at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor are facing widespread criticism for continuing the programme even after MLA Uma Thomas, the chief guest, suffered a serious head injury during the event.
The Bharatanatyam… pic.twitter.com/DRjvu75o8x
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 30, 2024
In a statement issued through a media group, Kalyan Silks stated they were unaware of money being collected under the pretext of costume expenses until after the event.
The police have also approached the ticketing platform BookMyShow to gather information about ticket sales.
Actors Divya Unni and Sijoy Varghese have been summoned by the authorities as part of the investigation.
Unni, who led the Bharatanatyam performance featuring over 12,000 dancers, has been asked to submit contractual documents related to her participation in the event.
Similarly, Varghese, who has clarified that his role was solely as a branding partner, will also be investigated to determine whether he received any payments.
In a historic event at Kaloor Stadium, 12000 dancers led by actor Divyaa Unni set a new Guinness World Record for the largest Bharatanatyam performance in India surpassing the previous record of 10,500 dancers. The event, titled MridangaNadam, received official recognition from… pic.twitter.com/bLSlTv7C3G
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) December 30, 2024
Furthermore, investigators will record statements from other celebrities, including film and television stars and singers involved with the event, and examine their financial transactions related to it.
Dance teachers who allegedly acted as intermediaries in the money collection process could also face legal action. Authorities are closely examining their role in facilitating these transactions and are prepared to file additional cases if more complaints emerge.
The Kerala High Court, rejecting anticipatory bail pleas, directed two accused, Nigosh Kumar M, owner of Mridanga Vision, and Janeesh P S, owner of Oscar Events, the event’s management partner, to surrender to the Palarivattom Police by 2 pm on 2 January.
The single-judge bench, comprising Justice P Krishna, ruled that failure to comply would empower the police to arrest them.
Both individuals had sought anticipatory bail, arguing that the initial charges were bailable. However, police later added Section 110 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, which pertains to an attempt to commit culpable homicide, making the case non-bailable.
In a related development, three individuals – MT Krishnakumar of Thrikkakara, V Benny of Mulanthuruthy, and Shameer, CEO of Mridanga Vision, a Wayanad-based firm that organised the event – who were earlier arrested in connection with the safety lapses leading to the accident, were granted interim bail by the Ernakulam Judicial Magistrate Court.
Police identified Krishnakumar’s company, KK Productions, as responsible for stage management, and Benny as the builder of the VIP gallery.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for 3 January. The three accused will remain out on bail until then.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Sreelakshmi Soman)
