Idukki: Two Sabarimala pilgrims from Tamil Nadu collapsed and died on the Sathram–Pullumedu forest route in separate incidents at different locations. The deceased are Rajkumar (52), a native of Kumbakonam, and Balaji (43), a native of Karur district.

Rajkumar collapsed and died near Uppuppara, close to Sathram, while travelling with a 15-member group of relatives and friends. The second incident occurred near Poongavanam on the forest route, where Balaji collapsed while trekking with a five-member group of relatives on their way to Sabarimala.

On receiving information, Vandiperiyar police reached the spots. The bodies of both pilgrims were shifted to the Government Primary Health Centre at Vandiperiyar, for further procedures.

Numerous similar death cases are reported in Sabarimala during every pilgrimage season. In November, the Kerala High Court expressed concern over death of pilgrims due to cardiac arrests. The court observed that approximately 150 cardiac arrests were reported at Sabarimala during each Mandalam-Makaravilakku season, of which 40 to 42 pilgrims die. Citing this, the court directed the Travancore Devaswom Board to set up a protocol, including a detailed health advisory, to ensure the welfare of each pilgrim.