In Tamil Nadu, 10 people including the owner of a school and its principal have been found guilty in the fire tragedy in which more than 94 school children were burnt alive in Kumbhakonam.

The Thanjavur District and Sessions Court, however, acquitted 11 others including three teachers citing lack of evidence against them.

The fire tragedy had taken place on the 16th July 2004. Our correspondent reports that the dark day still lingers in the minds of people of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.

It was on July 16, 2004 that fire broke out in a private school in Kumbakonam. More than 200 students were there in the school and the fire had cut short the lives of 94 children. Tears roll down the eyes of the parents when they recall the dreadful day.

It was found that the fire had broken at the noon meal centre and the fire spread trapping the school children. The case went from the Kumbakonam Judicial Magistrate to Essential Commodities Court and finally to the Thanjavur District and Sessions Court.

Charges under various sections were framed against the 21 accused including the school correspondent, school teachers and government officials in 2012. 11 persons were released and ten persons were charged under various sections of the IPC including Section 465 and 464 by the Judge. Parents and relatives said that they want all the 21 punished.