Kerala govt to conduct inquiry into Sabarimala stampede

Kerala's Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran has said that government will conduct a detailed inquiry into the yesterday's stampede at Lord Ayyappa shrine in Pathnamthitta district. 

21 Sabarimala pilgrims were injured in the stampede which occurred between Sannidhanam and Malikapuram. All the injured persons have been admitted to hospital. Two of the seriously injured have been moved to Kottayam Medical College. The NDRF team responded immediately to



the situation.An official source said, the situation is under control. Strict regulations have been put in place for entry of pilgrims at the temple following the incident. The shrine witnessed a heavy rush of devotees yesterday, the penultimate day before culmination of the 41-day mandala pooja. 

The stampede occurred just as the holy 'Thanga Angi' procession carrying ornaments worn by Lord Ayyappa on today's Mandala pooja reached the temple.