Two Sabarimala Pilgrims from Tamil Nadu Die on Forest Route in Idukki
Idukki: Two pilgrims from Tamil Nadu died after collapsing on the Sathram–Pullumedu forest route while travelling to Sabarimala in separate incidents. The deceased were Rajkumar (52) from Kumbakonam and Balaji (43) from Karur district.
Rajkumar collapsed near Uppuppara, close to Sathram, while walking with a group of 15 relatives and friends. In the second incident, Balaji collapsed near Poongavanam while trekking with five relatives on the forest route to Sabarimala.
After receiving information, Vandiperiyar police reached both locations. The bodies were shifted to the Government Primary Health Centre, Vandiperiyar, for further procedures.
Deaths due to health-related issues are reported every pilgrimage season at Sabarimala. In November, the Kerala High Court expressed concern over the number of pilgrims dying from cardiac arrests. The court noted that around 150 cardiac arrest cases are reported during each Mandalam–Makaravilakku season, with 40 to 42 resulting in death. Based on this, the court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to implement a protocol, including a detailed health advisory, to ensure pilgrim safety.