'Will ensure smooth darshan for pilgrims under police protection'; ADGP steps in to help devotees

PATHANAMTHITTA: ADGP S. Sreejith, the police coordinator at Sabarimala, stepped in to assist a group of pilgrims who had returned from Sabarimala without getting darshan. The pilgrims, who came from Parippally, were contacted directly by the ADGP after he learned about their situation. He assured them that no devotee should leave Sabarimala without darshan and promised that the police would ensure their safe and smooth entry. The group consisted of 17 members, including women and children. A child who had worn the mala and climbed the hill for the first time was also among them.

The group had reached Pampa on Tuesday afternoon. Although they managed to reach Marakkoottam, they were unable to proceed further due to the heavy rush. After being informed, the ADGP contacted them on Wednesday morning and reiterated that the police are committed to ensuring that all devotees get darshan, adding that necessary facilities would be arranged. He also encouraged pilgrims to seek police assistance whenever required.

This season, many devotees were forced to return without darshan due to the heavy rush. Some had to leave after removing their irumudi and completing the neyyabhishekam at the Valiyakoikkal Temple in Pandalam. As the crowd situation worsened, several devotees from Tamil Nadu faced similar difficulties and returned without darshan. A group of around 40 pilgrims reached Pandalam, had darshan of the Thiruvaabharanam, submitted their irumudi, and then returned. Another group from Tiruvannamalai, including several children, also returned after expressing disappointment and protest. They stated that despite booking their slots through the virtual queue and reaching Pampa on time, they were still unable to get darshan.