Bad weather prevents Rahul from landing at Sabarimala

Kochi, Jan 16 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, whowanted to visit Vandiperiyar where 102 Sabarimala piligrimswere killed on Friday night, was unable do so as hishelicopter could not land there today owing to bad weather.Gandhi had left by helicopter from Alappuzha toVandiperiyar in Idduki district, early today, but the aircraftcould not land there due to poor visibility, police and partyofficials said.KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala told PTI that poorvisibility and rain forced the chopper to turn back. TheCongress general secreatry later left for Delhi from here.

Gandhi was in Kerala to attend yesterday''s marriagereception of his friend Amithabh, son of Rajiv GandhiFoundation Vice-President Suman Dubey.

In the worst disaster to hit Sabarimala pilgrims, 102devotees were killed and 5 injured in a stampede at Pullumedunear the famous hill-top shrine.