Forest fire: Theni police team hunts for CTC’s founder in city

Sources here said that a case under the sections 337 (whoever causes hurt to any person by doing any act so rashly or negligently as to endanger human life, or the personal safety of others) and 304 (2) (culpable homicide) of the IPC, and 21 D of Tamil Nadu Forest Act has been registered against the CTC founder, whose whereabouts are still unknown. 

Peter Van Geit remained untraceable since Sunday after the trekkers were trapped in the fire in Kurangani Hills. Theni police have already arrested one Prabhu of Erode, who organised the trek for another group from Thiruporur during the same time. 

It may be noted that on Tuesday CTC, which organised the trek, posted their condolence on its website but maintained that it was a natural disaster. CTC’s message also stated that the local farmers at the base of the hill burnt grass as is practice during cultivation season that led to the fire. CTC also quoted noted weather blogger Pradeep John to press the point that there was unusual depression in the Bodi valley, which triggered unexpected and unprecedented strong winds. 

Because of the wind, the fire swept from the base of the hills and spread across the hill upwards, the CTC has said while trying to wash its hand off the incident.

While participating in the trekking event, all the participants were supposed to sign a disclaimer which mentioned that trekking has its own inherent dangers, including death. Coming under fire after the deaths, CTC also claimed that proper permission was taken to enter the forest.