ADGP flags serious security lapse in Sabarimala helicopter incident

PATHANAMTHITTA: ADGP S. Sreejith has submitted a report to the Sabarimala Special Commissioner, highlighting a serious security lapse in the incident involving a Coast Guard Chetak helicopter flying over Sabarimala.

The report states that the explanation provided by the Indian Coast Guard is not convincing and calls for a detailed investigation. Sabarimala Special Commissioner R. Jayakrishnan submitted the report before the Kerala High Court on Saturday.

Security arrangements in the region treat the stretch from Nilakkal to Sabarimala as a special security zone. Earlier, an air traffic route existed above Sabarimala, but it was withdrawn after the area was declared a high-security zone.

The court, which has now entered its summer vacation, will consider the report at a later date. Further action by the police will be based on the court’s directions.

Meanwhile, senior officials of the Coast Guard have launched an internal inquiry to determine whether there was any lapse when the helicopter reportedly deviated from its designated route.