Articles by Snehil Singh

Health

Kochi: 1.35cr liter capacity water tank bursts, houses flooded

A massive drinking water tank, belonging to the Kerala Water Authority in Kochi, Kerala, burst early on Monday morning, flooding nearby homes. The incident took place around 2:00am near the Kuthappady Temple in Thammanam, Onmanorama reported. No casualties have been reported so far. The tank had a storage capacity of 1.35 crore liters and was over four decades old. The tank's burst released a huge amount of water into homes behind the reservoir, damaging walls and parts of several structures. Vehicles such as autorickshaws and two-wheelers were also swept away in the flood. Residents were shocked to see stones, mud, and slush being brought into their homes by the force of the water. The flooding also reached the Kochi Corporation Primary Family Health Centre in Thammanam, damaging stocks of medicines. However, health officials confirmed that computers and major medical equipment were not damaged in the incident. Initial assessments indicate that age-related deterioration could be a major reason for the structural failure of this over 40-year-old tank. According to reports, the reservoir had two chambers, and one chamber's wall collapsed. Authorities have started assessing household losses due to this incident. Drinking water supply in many parts of the Kochi Corporation limits has been disrupted as a result, including in Tripunithura and Pettah. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far in Kochi after this incident.

Technology

SC quashes POCSO case against man who later married minor

In a rare move, the Supreme Court has invoked its plenary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) proceedings against a man who had sexual relations with a minor girl and later married her. The court observed that the crime was not the result of lust but love. The bench, comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih, noted that the victim is now married to her alleged offender. The bench said, We are conscious of the fact that a crime is not merely a wrong against an individual but against society as a whole. It emphasized that criminal law reflects society's will, but its application must consider practical realities. The court stressed that delivering justice requires a balanced approach, taking into account the specifics of each case while being firm and merciful when necessary. Justice Datta, writing for the bench, stressed that even serious offenders can receive justice tempered with compassion in appropriate cases. The court said ignoring the victim's wife's plea for empathy would not serve justice. It acknowledged that continuing criminal proceedings and incarceration would disrupt their family unit and harm society. The court invoked Article 142 to quash proceedings against the man, warning him to support his wife and child with dignity.

Technology

Andhra temple stampede: CM says, 'no permission sought'

A stampede at the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Kasibugga, Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, has left at least 10 dead and several injured. The incident took place on Saturday during the Kartika Ekadashi festival. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his condolences and lamented that no permission was sought from authorities for the event. He said that had they been informed, police protection could have been provided to control the crowd. Naidu has ordered a probe into the incident and promised strict action against those responsible. He said, The government is committed to ensuring that not a single life is lost, but it is very unfortunate that such incidents occur during private programs. The Chief Minister's Office confirmed the stampede was caused by overcrowding on Ekadashi. State Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh also expressed shock over the incident. He said immediate medical assistance was being provided to the injured. Our government is providing the best medical treatment to those injured in the stampede, Lokesh said. State Agriculture Minister K Atchannaidu visited the site and spoke with temple authorities to gather details about what happened during this tragic event. Disturbing visuals from the temple premises showed a massive crowd trying to make their way up when a stampede occurred. Shortly after, devotees were lying motionless on the ground. Rescue operations are underway, and officials said the death toll may rise. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, and police rushed to the spot.