Islamic State threat to Sabarimala pilgrims: Railway cops

Kochi: The Government Railway Police (GRP) has issued an alert about “possible threat” of extremist outfits targeting passengers, especially Sabari pilgrims, at railway stations across the state and handed over a letter to the railway authorities seeking strict monitoring to ensure foolproof security.  A senior railway official confirmed that the GRP had handed over a letter in this regard.

“The GRP intelligence officials handed us a letter about the threat from sympathisers of Islamic State. The cops asked us to take steps against poisoning of drinking water sources and food. We have alerted and handed over the letter to top railway officers for suitable action,” the officer posted at Thrissur said. Hundreds of inter-state pilgrims arrive at Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam and Chengannur railway stations en route their pilgrimage to Sabarimala.

The railway police in association with railway authorities take stringent security measures like deployment of dog squads and surprise inspections to preempt any security threats. The railways is operating a total of 223 special services to facilitate pilgrims visiting the holy hill shrine during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival season.