Strong backlash over virtual queue restrictions at Sabarimala; Know More
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| pic credits/Sree Venugopal |
The police advisory states that arriving on a day different from the one allotted in the virtual queue token causes crowd-management problems at the Sannidhanam. Meanwhile, 15 lakh devotees have visited the temple in just 18 days.
Despite the continuous flow of pilgrims to Sabarimala, several devotee groups have strongly objected to a recent police advisory instructing those who booked darshan through the virtual queue system to arrive strictly at the date and time printed on their passes.
D. Vijayakumar, General Secretary of the Akhila Bharatha Ayyappa Seva Sangham, stated that enforcing strict timing for interstate pilgrims will only create further difficulties.
He explained that delays in trains, long traffic blocks, or unexpected travel issues could prevent devotees from reaching on time.
According to him, insisting on strict adherence to the allotted time slot is unfair and may violate devotees’ rights.
Earlier this week, Sannidhanam Special Police Officer R. Sreekumar issued an advisory reminding pilgrims to arrive only on the date booked in their virtual queue tokens. He noted that arriving on a different day with the same token leads to crowd-management challenges at the Sannidhanam.
Meanwhile, the number of devotees who had darshan at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple crossed 15 lakh in just 18 days. As of 7 p.m. on December 3, the official count stood at 14,95,774, and with the post-7 p.m. entries, the total exceeded 15 lakh.
Steps to Prevent Thefts
With nearly one lakh pilgrims arriving daily, the police have intensified efforts to prevent thefts at the hill shrine.
Since the start of the season, more than 40 cases have been registered, including theft, assault, and disputes involving taxi drivers.
Because of the rising number of visitors—especially at Pampa and the Sannidhanam, where pickpocketing is frequently reported—a special police team has been deployed at key points to identify and restrain offenders.
Most theft cases are being reported from the Neelimala region, where checks will now be more rigorous.
Surveillance has also been strengthened at Appachimedu and surrounding areas, and inspections will continue to be tightened, said Pampa Station House Officer C.K. Manoj.