Special security force at Sabarimala

The police have constituted a special security task force at Sabarimala Sannidhanam, called ‘Sannidhanam Shadows,’ to ensure better security cover at the Lord Ayyappa Temple, according to the Police Special Officer P. Vijayan.

Mr. Vijayan said the ‘Shadows’ team, in mufti, was deployed at Sannidhanam on Friday. He said the modus operandi of the special force would be very casual so that their presence would not be easily felt. The Special Officer said the policemen attached to ‘Sannidhanam Shadows’ will also check pick-pocketing and acts of pilferage, if any, at Sabarimala.

However, their main duty would be to check any act of sabotage by anti-national and anti-social outfits, he added. The ‘Shadows’ personnel will meet every day at 12 noon to take stock of the situation, the special officer said. Mr. Vijayan said four armed commandos at Sannidhanam and three at Pampa were also deployed.

Sabarimala received heavy downpour on Saturday afternoon. The pilgrims found it tough to trek the route to the shrine. However, Sannidhanam witnessed heavy rush on Saturday evening.