“No Security Issue Noted; Coast Guard Alerted Authorities”: Devaswom Board President on Helicopter Over Sabarimala, Police Register Case
Pathanamthitta: There is no perceived security threat in the incident where a Coast Guard helicopter flew over the highly restricted Sabarimala Sannidhanam, said Travancore Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar. He clarified that authorities had received information at the time of the flight itself, and the Coast Guard had informed them that the helicopter changed direction due to technical issues.
However, the Pamba police have registered a case, assessing the incident as a serious security lapse. The case has been filed for entering a restricted security zone without permission and causing panic. The Indian Coast Guard helicopter appeared above the Sannidhanam yesterday afternoon and reportedly circled four times at a height of just about five feet above the flag mast.
It has also been observed that those on board the helicopter captured visuals of the sanctum (Sreekovil). Based on this, security personnel recorded footage of the helicopter on their mobile phones. The Sabarimala Special Commissioner informed the High Court that the incident is extremely serious. An investigation report to be submitted by ADGP Sreejith will also be handed over to the court.
The Coast Guard explained that the helicopter, which was on a routine surveillance flight, lost its way and reached above the Sannidhanam due to cloudy weather conditions. They claim it was only a technical error.