Kochi: Police arrested Nigosh Kumar, the owner of Mridanga Vision, following the severe injuries sustained by Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas during a Bharatanatyam recital at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The incident occurred on December 29, when Thomas fell approximately 14 feet from a temporary stage, leading to fractures in her facial bones, head, and ribs.
Kumar surrendered at the Palarivattom Police Station on Thursday as directed by the Kerala High Court. After seven and a half hours of questioning, he was taken into custody. He faces charges under Sections 125 and 125(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for actions endangering personal safety and causing grievous hurt, along with Section 3(5) for joint criminal liability. Additionally, he is charged under Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act, 2011, for endangering public safety.
The complaint was lodged by Shalu Vincent, a member of the MLA’s staff. Police are also recording statements from others involved in the event, including actor-dancer Divya Unni, who directed the performance. Since Unni has returned to the United States, her testimony will be collected via videoconference.
The event, featuring 12,000 dancers, aimed to set a Guinness World Record. However, the temporary stage proved hazardous. Thomas was injured as she stood to greet dignitaries and fell from the gallery edge. Kumar is scheduled to appear in court on Friday, while the investigation continues.
