Coast Guard Helicopter Row Triggers Probe Over Sabarimala Airspace
Pampa Police in Kerala have registered a case after an Indian Coast Guard helicopter flew at low altitude over the Sabarimala Sannidhanam area, triggering concerns about a possible breach of airspace rules in the high‑security pilgrimage zone. The case has been filed under Section 118(e) of the Kerala Police Act, which penalises acts that knowingly endanger public safety or create a risk of harm, with punishments up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000.
The FIR states that the helicopter, identified as CG 821, flew low over the Sannidhanam four times on April 23 without prior permission, in an area notified by the state government as a Special Security Zone. The Sabarimala Temple and surrounding areas up to Nilakkal are classified as high‑security zones, and authorities have warned that such low‑altitude flights could endanger pilgrims, damage structures, and spread panic among staff and devotees.
The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) PRO said the Coast Guard aircraft flew unusually close to the temple around 11 a.m., stressing that the terrain is sensitive and heavily guarded, especially during the later part of the pilgrimage season. The High Court‑appointed Special Commissioner for Sabarimala, R Jayakrishnan, has directed ADGP S Sreejith, who heads Sabarimala security operations, to conduct a detailed probe and submit a report, highlighting the seriousness of even a technical breach of the restricted airspace.
The Defence PRO clarified that CG 821, a Chetak helicopter, was on a routine training sortie from Kochi towards the southern maritime zone and was flying at about 6,000 feet. It stated that, due to high clouds and poor weather, the aircraft deviated from its intended track and ended up over the hills of Pamba before returning to Kochi once conditions improved. Indian Coast Guard officials have handed over details to state authorities, while Kerala police are examining whether the incident was a navigational error or a lapse warranting stricter future controls over flights near Sabarimala.
