SABARIMALA: In a joint action by police, forest and dog squad personnel, 360 kg of explosives were seized near Sabaripeedom, on the trekking path between Neelimala and Marakoottam on Saturday.
The explosives, kept in 12 cans near a tree covered under a tarpaulin sheet 30 metres from Sabripeedom, were stored there with the expectation of getting the contract for fireworks offering at Sabaripeedom. The contract for the devaswom offering was cancelled by the Forest Department authorities due to restrictions in the area as it is a part of a wildlife sanctuary during the monthly pooja time about a few months ago. The seized explosives were brought in to safe custody by police at Sannidhanam.
None was arrested in this connection. Police registered a case at the Sannidhanam police station and the state explosive controller office was alerted about the seizure.