Pathanamthitta: Two dolly workers have been arrested for cheating pilgrims by promising them darshan at Sabarimala without waiting in queues. The Pamba police arrested Kannan (31) and R. Raghu (27), both residents of Ranikovil Estate in Peerumade.

The duo allegedly deceived Ayyappa devotees from Kasaragod who had arrived for darshan during the Thulamasa puja. On October 18, amid heavy rush and crowd control, Kannan and Raghu approached the devotees from the forest path, offering to take them for darshan without long queues. They collected ₹10,000 from the pilgrims, claiming they could ensure a quicker entry. However, after escorting the pilgrims near Vavar Nada, both men vanished.

Following a complaint from the devotees, the Devaswom Vigilance launched a preliminary probe. Based on its report, the Pamba police registered a case and analysed CCTV footage to trace the culprits. The investigation was led by the Inspector of Pamba Police Station and his team.

After the incident came to light, police and other concerned departments decided to tighten the verification process for workers and labourers arriving at Sabarimala and nearby areas during the pilgrimage season. Plans are also being made to enhance security measures to prevent such fraud in the future.