Kerala Police tighten security in Sabarimala for ‘Chittira Attam’: 6 top officers, 1,500 cops

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police have announced state-wide alert as Sabarimala continues to remain tensed. Loknath Behra, the DGP of Kerala Police has increased security in the area as ‘Chittira Attam’ (an auspicious day according to Malayalam calendar) will be celebrated on November 5.

Recently, at the time of ‘Thulam Pooja’, Hindu devotees gathered in Sabarimala and attacked women who attempted to enter the shrine. 3,742 people had been arrested in connection with the violent protests and around 350 of the suspects are still absconding, police say.

The police chief assured that Kerala Police have taken precautions to avoid any kind of violence and protests. 1,500 police personnel, including women cops, are deployed for taking over security in Sabarimala for ‘Chittira Attam’.

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As IG S Sreejith has been relieved from Sabarimala duty, inspector general MR Ajith Kumar will take over and handle security at Pamba. And he will be assisted by Ernakulam rural superintendent of police Rahul S Nair.

The new security code for Sabarimala divides the whole sector into different zones with top officials heading each of them. Inspector general of police P Vijayan will be in charge of the Sannidhanam on top of the hill. The sanctum sanctorum will be guarded by about 200 policemen headed by Kollam commissioner PK Madhu.

Superintendent of police V Ajith with a troop of 100 other policemen are deployed at Marakkoottam and a similar force of 200 policemen and 50 policewomen will be taking care of the security in Pamba. Nilakkal will also remain under strict surveillance to avoid any kind of distressing instances.

Trivandrum range inspector general Manoj Abraham is in- charge of the overall security of the temple and surroundings. In brief, the security has been tightened up as the flow of pilgrims is going to rise when the temple opens for ‘mandala kaalam’ (pilgrimage season)  very soon.  

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