Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police will purchase 30 additional metal detectors to strengthen security arrangements during the upcoming Sabarimala pilgrimage season. The government has approved the purchase at a cost of ₹81 lakh.

The procurement includes 10 door-frame metal detectors and 20 hand-held units. Officials said the new equipment will help improve screening efficiency at the pilgrimage site, where large crowds are expected.

Of the 63 metal detectors currently available at Sabarimala, only 43 are functional, prompting the move for fresh purchases.

The government has also sanctioned ₹6 lakh for unforeseen police expenses during the pilgrimage, ₹4 lakh for the Pathanamthitta SP and ₹2 lakh for the Idukki SP.

Meanwhile, an audit found that some funds allocated during the previous pilgrimage season were spent outside prescribed rules, except for ambulance and recovery van rentals. The state police chief has been directed to treat the irregularly used amount as the liability of the responsible officials and take appropriate action.