An Indian Air Force helicopter made a brief low approach at the helipad in Nilackal, the base camp of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, around 11 a.m. on Thursday before flying back.
According to reports, the helicopter descended towards the helipad and remained at a low altitude for around 10 seconds before turning back. It was reportedly flying in from the IAF base in Thiruvananthapuram.
The police have taken note of the incident and are collecting details about the helicopter’s movement. Officials said the authorities concerned are expected to clarify the purpose of the flight and the reason for the brief low approach.
Police officials also confirmed that they had received no prior information about the helicopter’s movement. Normally, the police are informed about such flights, while the local administration is also expected to be notified if a flight is connected with disaster-management activities.
An officer said the helicopter was understood to have made two sorties, one over Jadayupara and another at Nilakkal. The officer also said the Nilackal incident was different from an earlier reported incident at Sannidhanam, where a helicopter had allegedly flown unusually low over the temple.
Published – August 20, 2026 07:39 pm IST
