With the annual pilgrimage season in Sabarimala kicking off on a positive note, Pampa-the base station of the hill temple, has become a bustling township with round-the-clock movement of people and vehicles.
Among those who appear to have set their eyes on the base camp to make some quick bucks include groups with a pan-Indian presence—the begging mafia.
Just four days into the two-months long season, the authorities have busted at least two inter-State begging rackets, which operated in and around Pampa and took 21 persons into custody. Of those rescued, six women including a 93-year-old are natives of Theni in Tamil Nadu while 12 others came down from Bihar.
