Sabarimala: cops initiate action against 'false news'

The BJP observed a shutdown in Pathanamthitta district on Friday, alleging that police action in Sabarimala caused the death of a 60-year-old pilgrim to the Ayyappa Temple.

The police clarified that the death of Sivadasan was not connected to police action on protesters and commenced action against those sharing “misleading news” regarding the incident.

Police initiated action against protesters at Nilakkal, the base camp, and Pampa on October 16 and 17. Clashes erupted at Nilakkal and police launched a baton charge on protesters on October 17, the day the temple opened for monthly pujas. Police recovered Sivadasan’s body from a ravine near Laha, about 15 km from Nilakkal, on Thursday. A preliminary investigation said an accident could have caused the death. Sivadasan’s scooter was found near his body.

T Narayanan, Pathanamthitta District Police Chief, said Sivadasan left his home in Pandalam at 8.30 am on October 18 for the darshan at Sabarimala. On October 19, he called his home from another pilgrim’s phone and said he had the darshan. “Cases will be registered against people who shared reports that the death was caused by police action,” Narayanan said.

Top BJP leaders including state president P S Sreedharan Pillai had condemned the “brutal murder”. Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran said the BJP was “creating martyrs” through false campaigns.

The Sabarimala Temple will open on November 5, at 5 pm, for the Sree Chithira Atta Thirunal and close on November 6, at 10 pm. Prohibitory orders will be in place at Elavunkal, Nilakkal, Pampa and the sannidhanam for three days from Saturday midnight.