Representational Image | Photo: PTI
Sabarimala: A team of 24 pilgrims, including Malayalis, died of heart attack during the annual Mandalam pilgrimage season in Sabarimala. According to the data released by the Travancore Devasom board here on Wednesday, these devotees suffered a heart attack during the journey between Nilakkal and Sannidhanam. Meanwhile, two devotees, hailing from outside the state, died in an accident.
The authorities have informed that an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh will be given to the kins of the pilgrims killed in the accident and Rs 50,000 will be granted to take the body to their native place. For Malayalis, the compensation for the same would be Rs 30,000.
Meanwhile, the TDB officials clarified that families of those who died of heart attack are not eligible to receive Rs 5 lakh compensation since such health conditions fall under the personal insurance claim.
The officials told Mathrubhumi that Travancore Devaswom Board and United India Insurance Company joined hands to provide life insurance to the pilgrims. The period of insurance coverage starts Nov 17, 2022, and continues for a year. Devasom board have paid a premium of Rs 19 lakh to provide insurance coverage to the people who are visiting the hill shrine during the Mandalam season.