Major security breach in Idukki dam; three in custody

Idukki: In a purported security breach at Cheruthoni Dam here, an unidentified man placed locks on the high-mast lights and poured a liquid on the wire rope of dam shutters.

The incident happened at around 3:15 p.m. on July 22. However, the incident came to the attention of authorities only during repair works at the dam on September 4. As many as 11 locks were found placed on the earthing strips of eight high-mast lights.

Later, dam authorities inspected the CCTV footage and found a visitor entering the dam premises, setting the locks on eight high-mast lights and pouring a liquid on the wire rope to lift the dam's shutters. Following this, Idukki police registered a case based on a complaint filed by KSEB.

The dam site was inspected by the bomb squad last day. Meanwhile, police have identified the youth based on the registration details of the vehicle used by the person to visit the Idukki dam. The young man seen on CCTV footage is currently abroad. Police have taken three close acquaintances of the accused into custody.