DARSHANAM FOR SALE AT SABARIMALA

A lobby comprising Devaswom officers and their agents who arrange sukh darshan in exchange for money is active in Sabarimala. Wealthy pilgrims from outside the state are its target.The modus operandi is to disguise the “paying pilgrims” as VIPs or relatives and friends of the officials and arrange them a smooth and close darshan either through the south entrance or nadapanthal in front of holy steps or the Devaswom executive office gate. The touts charge Rs 10,000 to 20,000 from each pilgrim for the “service.” The rate is higher during rush hours.The operation of the “darshan lobby” came to light when a security officer questioned the practice at the gate when the officials wanted VIP darshan for a group of devotees from Andhra Pradesh claiming the pilgrims were their close relatives. “I was offered money when I questioned and prevented them at the entrance of the gate,” said a security officer on condition of anonymity. The lobby is also trying to remove the security officers who protested against the business.Govt has'nt taken any steps to eradicate these activities.