The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the loss of lives due to an incident at Kollam’s Puttingal temple in Kollam, Kerala today (April 10, 2016).

In a message to Shri Justice P. Sathasivam, Governor of Kerala, the President has said "I am shocked and distressed to learn about the incident at Kollam’s Puttingal temple this morning, as a result of which a large number of persons have lost their lives and others are injured. I understand relief operations are currently underway.

I am sure the State Government and other agencies are providing all possible assistance to the bereaved families as well as the best of medical attention to the injured.

Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. My prayers are with all the injured persons for their speedy recovery”.

This release issued at 1430 hrs.