Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala police have declared a statewide alert ahead of the 'Chittira Attam' ritual at Sabarimala on November 5. The police said that as many as 3,742 people had been arrested in connection with the violent protests against a Supreme Court order allowing women aged between 10 and 50 to go to the hill shrine. About 350 suspects are still absconding.
About 1,500 police personnel, including women cops, will take over the security arrangements at Sabarimala from November 3. The police chief has put inspector general M R Ajith Kumar in charge of security at Pamba. He takes over from inspector general S Sreejith.
Director general of police Lokanath Behera has ordered his force to avoid a repeat of the unfortunate incidents around the Thulam puja, when a mob went about screening vehicles for the presence of any young woman and even harassing several woman journalists.
As per the DGP's circular, a copy of which is with Manorama News, the police force in every district has been asked to step up vigil and to allow the smooth flow of pilgrims to the popular shrine.
Ajith Kumar will be assisted by Ernakulam rural superintendent of police Rahul S Nair. The police will keep a strict watch in and around the shrine by demarcating the area into six zones.
Inspector general of police P Vijayan will be in charge of the Sannidhanam on top of the hill. Kollam commissioner P K Madhu will also keep a watch around the sanctum sanctorum. About 200 policemen will be deployed around the sanctum sanctorum.
Another 100 cops will be deployed at Marakkoottam, led by superintendent of police V Ajith. A force of 200 policemen and 50 policewomen will be present at Pampa. Nilakkal will also witness similar deployment.
Erumeli and Vadakkasseri will have police deployment of 100 personnel each. At least 45 woman cops have been asked to assist the all-woman battalion to maintain law and order at Sabarimala. Inspector general Manoj Abraham is responsible for the overall security of the temple and surroundings.