Days ahead of the beginning of Sabarimala season, the central government has written to the Kerala government asking for the security measures to be stepped up to deal with the possibility of security threats.
In a letter dated October 26 sent to the Chief Secretary, the Union Home Ministry has warned of a possible terror attack at the shrine located in Pathanamthitta. A copy of this has been accessed by regional news channels.
The mandala season will begin on November 15. Emphasizing on the need to review the security arrangements at the shrine, the letter says that methods that would go undetected by metal detectors could be used.
“Besides fool-proof and enhanced security arrangements at the shrine and adjoining areas, a comprehensive security audit is warranted to be undertaken as the last such exercise was on May 17, 2013," the letter says.