Tourists raise safety concerns over rising ‘anti-social activities’ on Kuttiyadi pass

Domestic tourists from Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Wayanad districts have raised safety concerns over the increasing presence of anti-social activities, including drug hotspots, along the Kuttiyadi pass, a scenic route used to bypass the Thamarassery ghat road. The 10th and 11th hairpin curves are now being described as the riskiest spots for those travelling late at night.

“Families are now scared to take this route for night travel. At least there should be enough street lights to help motorists,” says Manoj Kumar Pallath, a Malappuram native who recently used the route with his friends as part of a tour programme. He adds that even residents appear helpless when faced with the aggressive behaviour of individuals frequenting the area for substance use.

Farm tourism entrepreneurs in the region say that the lack of an effective night patrol on the mountain pass has encouraged anti-social activities at the spot. They allege that their long-pending demand for a police outpost continues to be ignored.

“The grama panchayat authorities or the Tourism department officials are least bothered about addressing public complaints. Forest department squads also remain inactive despite receiving complaints about the illegal entry of strangers into the restricted forest area near the road,” says M.V. Binu, a local tourism entrepreneur. He also points to delays in installing adequate street lights and replacing damaged ones. Local shop owners have raised similar complaints, citing frequent thefts. Many of them run small establishments and are unable to afford high-end surveillance systems.

“As there is no police surveillance, some people even hold celebrations in the middle of the road, blocking vehicular traffic. There have also been attempts to manhandle motorists who questioned such illegal gatherings,” says Sekharan Thayyil, an inter-State truck driver from Kozhikode. He feels the local administration should take up the matter with higher authorities for immediate action.

Meanwhile, police sources said night patrols will be intensified in the coming days in view of the rising number of public complaints. They added that flash inspections continue to be carried out along the mountain pass as part of enhanced surveillance against drug trafficking.