Pathanamthitta (Kerala): A Coast Guard helicopter flew over the Sabarimala Temple on Thursday, sparking security concerns. The High Court-appointed Special Commissioner, R Jayakrishnan, has directed ADGP S Sreejith, who is in charge of Sabarimala security, to investigate the incident and submit a detailed report.
The Indian Coast Guard helicopter, identified as CG-821, reportedly flew at a very low altitude over the Sannidhanam at approximately 11.00 am on Thursday. Witness accounts suggest the aircraft descended to within five metres of the temple's flagmast (Kodimaram).
Unauthorised visuals recorded
There were four individuals on board the helicopter. It was observed that a person inside the craft was recording visuals of the temple as it hovered over the sanctum sanctorum for about 30 seconds. This is the first time a helicopter has flown at such close proximity over the temple structure.
Security breach concerns
The Sabarimala Temple and the surrounding areas up to Nilakkal are classified as high-security zones. The sudden appearance and low-altitude flight of the Coast Guard craft have raised questions regarding the necessity of the manoeuvre in a restricted religious space.
In response, the Defence PRO in Kochi stated that the helicopter was on a routine surveillance flight conducted across various locations and that the flyover was part of this regular exercise.