Explosives found in Sabarimala

Thiruvananthapuram

The seizure was made during a joint combing operation by police and forest personnel and bomb detection squad held as part of a three-day special security arrangement ahead of the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, they said.  The explosive material, kept in 12 containers (each weighing over 30 kg), was found on Sabarimala-Pampa forest route, just 3 km from the shrine, police said. “The material, assumed to be gunpowder, was suspected to have been brought for the vedi vazhipadu , a ritual fireworks display, held annually at Sabari Peetam as part of the Vishu festival,” a police official said.  “The ritual was banned by the Forest Department. We suspect that the fireworks contractors might have abandoned the explosives in view of the ban,” the official added. “The Chief Controller of Explosives is expected to arrive here on Monday and examine the material,” the official said. A case had been registered.