Five Charged Over Kochi Stadium Mishap That Injured MLA Uma Thomas

Police in Kochi have filed a charge sheet against five individuals linked to a stage collapse at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, which severely injured Thrikkakara Congress MLA Uma Thomas last December. The incident occurred during a large-scale dance event, highlighting critical safety oversights in public gatherings.

The charge sheet, submitted to the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-IX, identifies the accused as Nigosh Kumar, owner of Mridhanga Vision; Shameer, the firm's CEO; Jineesh P S and Krishnakumar M D, owners of Oscar Events; and stage contractor Benny. All were organizers of the event, which aimed to secure a Guinness World Record by featuring 12,000 dancers. The program was promoted by a prominent film actress, but she was not charged, as investigators determined her involvement was limited to publicity rather than operational or structural decisions.

According to the police probe, supported by Public Works Department (PWD) structural engineers, the accident stemmed from major lapses in stage construction. The temporary gallery, elevated 15 feet, lacked proper safety measures, endangering VIP guests like Thomas. The accused face charges under Section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) and Section 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, reflecting the gravity of the negligence that turned a celebratory spectacle into a near-fatal mishap.

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Thomas, a 59-year-old legislator known for her advocacy on women's issues, plummeted from the faulty platform, sustaining traumatic head and spinal injuries. She endured 46 days of intensive hospitalization, including multiple surgeries, before discharge. The case underscores ongoing concerns about event safety in Kerala, where high-profile cultural programs often draw massive crowds without adequate risk assessments. Authorities hope the charges will deter similar violations, ensuring better protocols for future mass events.

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