Coast Guard chopper over Sabarimala: Police report flags security breach

A preliminary report prepared by the Kerala police in connection with the alleged incident of a Coast Guard helicopter flying over the Sannidhanam at the Sabarimala hill shrine the other day without prior permission has stated that the incident was a serious security lapse. The report, prepared by S. Sreejith, Additional Director General of Police, is expected to be handed over to the Sabarimala Special Commissioner on Saturday (April 25, 2026).

According to the report, the helicopter flew directly above the temple’s flagpole, which is a high-security zone, and the explanation provided by the Coast Guard citing weather issues was not satisfactory. Stressing the need for a detailed investigation into the incident, the report said that more information should be collected from the air traffic control room, along with a report from the Meteorological Observatory and statements from the pilots who flew the helicopter.