Kerala: Ashram Of Swami Who Supported Sabarimala Women’s Entry Set On Fire

Swami Sandeepananda Giri has been appearing on media openly supporting women’s entry to Sabarimala.

Updated on: 27 October 2018 2:49 pm

The ashram of Swami Sandeepananda Giri, who supported women’s entry to Sabarimala, was set on fire in Kundamankadavu in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Saturday morning.

According to reports, the ashram was attacked by unidentified assailants. Two cars and a two-wheeler belonging to the ashram were set ablaze. The attackers also left a wreath at the ashram.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the attack, warning that the government will not allow anyone to take law and order in their hands.

“Physical attacks happen when you can't deal ideologically. Will not allow anyone to take law and order in their hands. Those who are intolerant towards Swami's activities attacked his ashram,” said Vijayan, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Swami Sandeepananda Giri has been appearing on media openly supporting women’s entry to Sabarimala.

Reacting to the attack, Sandeepananda Giri alleged that the entire responsibility for the incident was on BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai, Thazhamon Madom, the family of traditional head priests of Sabarimnala temple and Pandalam Royal family, also associated with the shrine.

DGP Loknath Behara said strong action would be taken to bring the accused to book. "We will not tolerate such incidents in the state," he said.

However, BJP district leadership has denied any role in the attack and demanded an "unbiased" probe into the incident.

The state had witnessed massive protests from devotees at various places, including Sabarimala, Nilakkal and Pamba, against permitting women of all ages to enter the shrine, where the deity is 'Naishtika Brahmachari' (perennial celibate), when the temple was opened for monthly poojas from October 17-22.

At least 12 women in the 'barred' age group (10-50) had tried to trek the hills to offer prayers but had to retreat following widespread protests.

(With inputs from agencies)