India News | Kerala HC Restricts Access into Ponnambalamedu Near Sabarimala, Following Recent Incident of Trespass

Kochi, May 24 (PTI) Following a recent incident of alleged illegal trespass by some people into Ponnambalamedu to perform a pooja, a hilltop ritually connected with the famed Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple in Pathanamthitta district of the state, the Kerala High Court on Wednesday restricted access to the area.

A bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and P G Ajithkumar directed that no one should enter Ponnambalamedu except for official purposes.

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It also asked the police to conduct a detailed investigation into the recent trespass.

During the hearing, police told the court that it has arrested three persons so far in connection with the matter.

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The court was hearing a plea that it initiated on its own with regard to the alleged illegal trespass, based on a report by the Special Commissioner, Sabarimala.

The special commissioner had prepared a report on the criminal trespass of certain unauthorised people into the sacred 'Kalthara' of Ponnambalamedu, which is inside the core area of the Periyar Tiger Reserve -- a protected area.

On May 17, Kerala Police had launched an investigation into the incident after registering a case on the basis of a complaint received from the Commissioner of the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the hilltop shrine of Sabarimala.

In a video that surfaced on social media on May 16, a man who was part of the group that allegedly trespassed into Ponnambalamedu could be seen sitting on a platform atop the Ponnambalamedu Hills, located about four kilometres from the Sabarimala temple, chanting mantras while performing some rituals.

According to Lord Ayyappa devotees, Ponnambalamedu is a revered place as the auspicious 'Makaravilakku' is lit there annually marking the culmination of the pilgrimage season at Sabarimala.

A high-security zone, the place, which is located in a deep forest, comes under the direct control of the Forest Department.

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