Sabarimala: The police are now giving an opportunity for those who had to return without completing darshan at Sabarimala due to the heavy rush the other day. The police have decided to bring back such devotees to Sannidhanam and ensure they get darshan. The action comes in response to a Mathrubhumi News report about devotees who had to return without darshan.

ADGP S Sreejith said that everyone who has booked through virtual queue will be ensured darshan, and that if anyone who came with a virtual queue pass had to return without darshan, they will definitely be given another opportunity. “If such people contact the police, arrangements will be made for their darshan. We have not come across anyone like that during our checks. But since journalists are vigilant on the ground, if anyone comes to your notice, please direct them to the police. The police have strictly instructed that no one who arrives here with a virtual queue pass should leave without darshan. We have fully ensured that,” said Sreejith.

It was Mathrubhumi News that reported a group from Parippally which had to return without darshan due to the unprecedented crowd. Following this report, authorities decided to call the group back and make arrangements for their darshan. The pilgrims from Parippally responded that it was by Ayyappa’s grace that they were now getting an opportunity for darshan after having to return earlier.

Mathrubhumi photographer Aravind Lenin was the first to spot the group of pilgrims who had to leave without darshan. The devotees then expressed their distress, after which Mathrubhumi News aired the report.

Meanwhile, apart from them, several other devotees—including many Malayalis—were also forced to return halfway without completing darshan due to the heavy rush on Tuesday. Some of them visited the Balikoyikkal Temple in Pandalam, completed their offerings there, and returned home.