Bomb Squad is on alert at Sabarimala

 
The Bomb Squad is on the alert with sophisticated equipment and trained personnel to ensure the safety of Sabarimala. The State Police Department is using equipment worth three and a half crore rupees imported from the US.

The police security guards are on high alert throughout the pilgrimage, including Nilakkal, Pampa and Sannidhanam. Vehicle inspection using technology such as trolley mirror at Plappally and Nilakkal. The pilgrims will be checked by security personnel at the start of the steps of the Pampa Ganapathi temple. Devotees can only move on after going through the body checking, guard room and baggage scanner There will be a re-inspection at Neelimala and Marakoottam. There is also baggage and body checking. Those who take the Pullumedu route is checked at the Pandithavalam and Vavarnada.

Door Frame Metal Detector, Hand Held Metal Detector, Mine Sweeper, Explosive Detector, Portable X-ray Machine, Thermal Imaging Camera, X Ray Baggage Scanner, Non-Linear Junction Detector, Bomb Suite, Extension Mirror, Real-Time Viewing System, high-frequency torches.

The mine sweeper costs between Rs Eight and Ten lakhs. The Explosive Detector is an instrument to detect the explosives hidden. A portable X-ray machine is a device that detects the presence of explosives, scans and fuses it. There is also a remote wire cutter that can be cut from a distance.

Thermal imaging camera is a camera that captures the picture sensing the heat of the attacker, whether it is day or night. The non-linear junction detector is used to detect explosions that may be planned through a power supply system. It can also be used to detect the presence of semi-conductors.

The bomb-suit weighs 110 kg. Helmet and communication equipment will be part of the suit. This is the one worn by the person who goes to the bomb when the bomb has to be removed. With these devices, troops are conducting random patrols 24 hours a day in the nook and corner of Sabarimala.

All those assigned to duty at Sabarimala are policemen who are specially trained in the field of explosives. They are specialists trained in Kerala and outside of the state.

The equipment is in the custody of the Pathanamthitta SP. Sub-Inspector Harikumar is in charge of three stores - Sannidhanam, Nilkal, and Pampa. There are also technicians who have the knowledge to repair the equipment in case of damage. Sub-inspector Harikumar said the equipment would be used for the safety of Sabarimala even after the mandala and Makara Vilakku season.