Sabarimala helicopter incident: Coast Guard issues clarification; questions remain

Pathanamthitta (Kerala): The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Friday issued a statement after a low-flying helicopter over Sabarimala Sannidhanam triggered a police case and security concerns at the hill shrine.

The incident happened on Thursday, when a helicopter was seen flying at an unusually low altitude over Sannidhanam. Eyewitnesses said the aircraft passed at an estimated height of just five feet above the flag mast.

Staff and workers at the site noticed the aircraft, bringing the matter to wider attention. Videos of the flight have since circulated on social media, adding to concerns given the shrine’s sensitive security classification.

Police said the helicopter made four low passes near the Lord Ayyappa temple in the afternoon.

Coast Guard explanation and flight details

In the statement, the ICG said its helicopter CG 821 had been on a routine training sortie from Kochi to an area 60–80 nautical miles south, flying at around 6,000 feet.

"At about 1.15 pm, due to high clouds and deteriorating weather in the area, the aircraft deviated from the intended track and ended up flying over the hills of Pamba," the statement said.

ICG sources added that the helicopter returned safely to its Kochi base once weather conditions improved. The Coast Guard maintained that the deviation was due to adverse weather and clarified that the movement was not part of any official mission. It was also indicated that radar navigation was not in use during the flight.

During the journey, personnel reportedly recorded visuals on mobile phones after sighting the temple area. Clarification on this aspect is awaited, as questions remain.

Security classification, case registered and inquiry ordered

Sannidhanam falls within a highly sensitive security zone. The Nilakkal–Sannidhanam stretch is designated a restricted area, where even drone operations require special police approval.

Following the incident, instructions were issued to Sabarimala ADGP S. Sreejith to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. The matter is under official review.

Police registered a case after the helicopter flew low and close to the shrine, with the ICG attributing the incident to "deteriorating weather." Pampa police filed the case under Section 118 (e) of the Kerala Police Act. The FIR did not name any accused.

According to the FIR, the helicopter flew low and close to Sannidhanam, a notified Special Security Zone, without permission, affecting public safety and posing possible risks to structures. Police sources said the probe was initiated after the Sabarimala Special Commissioner ordered an inquiry, citing the shrine’s sensitive nature and large annual footfall of devotees.