NewKerala.com

Coast Guard Helicopter Triggers Security Alert at Sabarimala Temple

Police in Pathanamthitta have registered an FIR against a Coast Guard helicopter for flying low over the Sabarimala temple four times without permission. The incident occurred on April 23 in the high-security Sannidhanam area, designated as a Special Security Zone. The Travancore Devaswom Board raised concerns, prompting an investigation by the ADGP. The Defence PRO clarified the aircraft was on a routine training sortie and deviated due to bad weather.

Key Points: Coast Guard Helicopter Flies Low Over Sabarimala Temple

  • Police register case under Kerala Police Act
  • Helicopter flew low over Sannidhanam four times
  • High-security zone violation alleged
  • Defence says routine training sortie due to weather
2 min read

Keralam: Police register FIR after coast guard helicopter flies low over Sabarimala temple

Police register FIR after Coast Guard helicopter flies low over Sabarimala's high-security zone, raising airspace violation concerns.

"A Coast Guard helicopter flew low over the Sabarimala Temple on 23rd April. The temple and areas up to Nilakkal are high-security zones. - TDB PRO"

Pathanamthitta, April 24

A case has been registered by the Pampa Police after a Coast Guard helicopter flew at low altitude over the Sabarimala Sannidhanam area, triggering concerns over a possible violation of airspace restrictions in the high-security pilgrimage zone.

Pampa Police have registered a case for flying a Coast Guard helicopter over the Sabarimala temple. The case has been filed under Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act.

The FIR states that the helicopter bearing the number CG 821 was flown at a low altitude over the Sannidhanam four times, without obtaining prior permission, in the Sabarimala Sannidhanam area which has been notified by the government as a Special Security Zone, in a manner that could endanger public safety, cause damage to buildings in the area, and create panic among staff and others.

Further, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) PRO, said that a Coast Guard helicopter (CG-821) flew at a low altitude over the Sannidhanam area around 11 am on Wednesday.

"A Coast Guard helicopter flew low over the Sabarimala Temple on 23rd April. The temple and areas up to Nilakkal are high-security zones. The High Court-appointed Special Commissioner R Jayakrishnan has directed ADGP S Sreejith, who is in charge of Sabarimala security, to investigate and submit a report. The Coast Guard helicopter (CG-821) flew low over Sannidhanam around 11 am yesterday," TDB said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Defence PRO has clarified that the aircraft was on a routine training sortie from Kochi towards the southern maritime zone and was flying at around 6,000 feet.

"On 23 April 26, CG 821 was on a routine training sortie from Kochi to 60-80 miles south. The aircraft was flying at 6000 feet. At about 1315 hours due to high clouds and deteriorated weather in the area, the aircraft deviated from the intended track and ended up flying over the hills of Pamba. Post clear weather, the aircraft returned back to base at Kochi," PRO said in a statement.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honest mistake or negligence? The Defence PRO says it was a routine training sortie that deviated due to bad weather. If that's true, it's a bit scary that a helicopter can just drift into a restricted zone. But the police are doing their duty by registering an FIR—accountability matters. Hope the investigation clears the air.
V
Vikram M
I understand the security concerns, but let's keep perspective. A Coast Guard helicopter is not a threat—it's our own defence force on training. Still, proper protocols should be followed. The TDB and police are right to be cautious, but we shouldn't overreact. A dialogue between agencies might prevent future mishaps.
R
Rohit P
This is classic bureaucratic mess. The Coast Guard says they were at 6,000 feet, but the temple authorities claim low altitude. Someone's story doesn't add up. Meanwhile, devotees get scared. The real issue is coordination—why isn't there a simple clearance system between defence and police? Fix the system, not just blame. 😤
A
Ananya R
Flying over a temple low four times is definitely alarming. I get that the Coast Guard was training, but bad weather is no excuse for not checking airspace restrictions beforehand. The fact that the TDB and police are acting shows they take security seriously. Let the investigation proceed—transparency is key.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50