Kumali, Sunday, January 16, 2011: Crime Branch SP, S Surendran investigating on the Pulmedu tragedy, has informed that the primary report would be submitted within four days. SP Surendran was speaking to the reporters after visiting the tragedy spot at Pulmedu on Sunday.

He further informed that the forensic wing would conduct thorough investigation in the area. The death toll of the pilgrims from a stampede in Pulmedu had risen to 102 and is the worst tragedy that struck Sabarimala pilgrims in a decade. According to top police sources, 102 people were confirmed dead and seven of the injured were stated to be in serious condition.

Most of the victims were from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The tragedy struck the pilgrims returning after darshan at the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa on the ‘makara samkarma pooja’, when a jeep went out of control and ploughed into devotees in a narrow forest stretch at Pullumedu, triggering the stampede.

For those Ayyappa devotees from Tamil Nadu traveling to Sabarimala, Pullumedu is the shortest way. Normally, Tamil pilgrims at Kumaly reach Pullumedu in jeeps. Vehicle facilities are there only till Pullumedu. At Pullumedu there is a steep path downward which leads to Sabarimala via Pandithavalam. There will be no lighting facilities in the night here. Sabarimala is only 5 km away from Pullumedu.

Usually, pilgrims take this way to avoid long queues which extends from Sabareepeedam to Sannidhanam. When traveling through Pullumedu, pilgrims can reach Sabarimala without passing through Pampa.