Sabarimala updates: Trupti Desai's visit stalled; activist to return to Pune from Kochi following protests

Trupti Desai to fly to Mumbai by 9.30 pm flight from Kochi, reports India Today

Trupti Desai to return by tonight's Air India flight

Social activist Trupti Desai informed the police of her return following unrelenting protest. She spent 13 hours at the airport.

Pandalam royal family welcomes TDB's move to approach Supreme Court

Pandalam royal family coordinating committee president PG Sasikumar Verma has welcomed the Travancore Devaswom Board decision to move the Supreme Court for more time to implement its September 238 verdict. "It is a belated decision. It is a happy news for the devotees. It may help in ensuring a peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage season," he added. He said that the family had demanded this during the discussion held with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on 15 November .

Rahul Easwar says Trupti Desai considering to go back 

In a tweet, activist Rahul Easwar said that social activist Trupti Desai, who is currently at Cochin airport, might go back and will make an announcement about her decision by 6.30 pm.

Tantri family welcomes TDB's decision to move SC

The Tantri family has welcomed the Travancore Devaswom Board decision to approach the Supreme Court with a plea to grant more time to implement the court verdict allowing women of all aged to enter the temple. Tantri Kandara Ravjeevaru has appealed to the women in the age group of 10 and 50 not to make any attempt to enter the temple pending the TDB petition.

Shops to remain open against police directive says TDB

Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padma Kumar said that all the shops at Sabarimala will remain open throughout the night. He said that the board had rejected police directive to the shop owners to close the shops at 10 pm and hand over the keys to the police. Traders had refused to open the door in the wake of the police restriction saying that it would affect their business. The board is scheduled to conduct a second auction of the shops later in the day. About 50 percent of the shops had remained without takers in the wake of the police restriction.

Tata Projects spends Rs 25 crore for developing temple assets damaged by August floods 

The Tata Projects Limited has made free the reconstruction of the assets damaged by the August flood at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple. The company has spent Rs.25 crores for developing new infrastructure at Nilakkal and restoring the damaged facilities at Pampa, according to a statement from the chief minister’s office. The statement said that Tata Sons general manager TCS Nair had written a letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Viajayan conveying the decision.

First group of devotees takes darshan

First group of devotees climb the 18 holy steps and take darshan at the temple after its reopening on Friday.

TDB says there won't be any compromise on rituals

"There will not be any compromise on the rituals & customs at Sabarimala," Travancore Devaswom President A Padmakumar said while addressing reporters.

TDB to bring to SC's notice the damage caused due to protests

The TDB will bring to the notice of the Supreme Court the damage caused to the temple and supporting infrastructure and the violent incidents in the hill shrine during the puja in October and November for justifying its plea for more time to implement the verdict. TDB chief A Padma Kumar said that they will not propose any time for the relaxation.

Travancore Devaswom Board comes down heavily on Kerala Police 

"Unwarranted restrictions will not be allowed at the Sannidhanam," TDB president A Padmakumar. As per law, the TDB has the final say at the temple Sannidhanam.

TDB to move SC over implementation of order

The Travancore Devaswom Board has decided to move the Supreme Court more time to implement the 28 September verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple. TDB president A Padma Kumar said that a deciision in this regard was taken at a meeting of the board in the light of the suggestions received at the all-party meeting and the talks with the Thantri and Pandalam royal families convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Viajayan after consulting legal experts. He said that the petition will be filed tomorrow or on Monday.

Pilgrimage season takes off on tumultuous start

The two-month-long Mandala Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala took off on a tumultuous start with the opening of the temple at 5 pm. The main function on Friday is the installation of the new melshantis (chief priests) at the Ayyappa and Malikappuram temples. VN Vasudevan Nampoothiri, 51, and MN Narayanan Nampoothiri, 52, will be ushered in as the chief priests of Ayyappa and Malikappuram temples respectively by the outgoing priests at a solemn ceremony. The temple will be closed after the ceremony at 10 pm. A large number of devotees have trekked the hill to witness the function. The temple  will be opened at 4.30 am on Saturday for the regular pooja.

As temple opens, Rahul Easwar says 'we will guard and save Sabarimala'

Sabarimala gates open for devotees

This is the third time the shrine is opening since the Supreme Court lifted the age-old ban on entry of women in 10-50 age group. No woman from the age group has been able to offer prayers so far following stiff resistance by devotees and activists, who are opposing any change in the temple traditions.

'Police can't take Trupti Desai to Sabarimala'

CNN-News18 quotes police sources as saying that the police has decided that they can't take social Trupti Desai to Sabarimala temple this time in view of the law and order situation. The source blamed Desai's publicity of visit for the decision.

Thirty members of Kerala Police commandos deputed at Sannidhanam, reports CNN-News18

Several devotees have been protesting against the restrictions imposed by the police on their stay at Sannidhanam.

Will take final decision on returning home after 6 pm, says Trupti Desai

Tripti Desai said, "I will take a final decision after 6pm whether to return or to stay put at Cochin Airport depending on the law and order situation. Police has told me that the law and order situation is highly volatile. Even if I have to go back now I shall return in this Sabarimala season."

Devotees protest against police restrictions at Sabarimala

Devotees have started airing protests against the restrictions imposed by the police on their stay at Sannidhanam. Rajashekharan, a devotee from Kollam, said that the police insistence to return from the Sannidhanam after the closure of the sanctum sanctorum at 10 pm would deny an opportunity to devotees to take part in the Neyyabhishekham, which is an important ritual in the temple.  He said that many devotees, especially the aged to return to the Sannidhanam for the ritual which begins at 5.30 am.

Lack of drinking water, clean toilets compound trouble of devotees 

Devotees are saying they have no facilities available at Pampa base camp. There is no clean drinking water available at Pampa right now. Also toilets and other facilities in Pampa are in pathetic condition. No repair of any sort have been done by the government post the floods.

Sabarimala Achara Samrakshna Sammiti lodges complaint against Trupti Desai

A formal complaint has been given against Trupti Desai by Sabarimala Achara Samrakshna Sammiti for creating religious disharmony trying to wilfilly violate the rituals of Sabarimala. The compliant has been given to the Kerala DGP.

Cochin Airport authorities complain to Home Ministry, say incessant protests hampering operations 

Cochin International Airport has informed the Union Home Ministry about the protests going on at the airport against the move by Bhumata Brigade chief Trupti Desai to go to Sabarimala for darshan. The company said that the mounting protest was affecting the functioning of the airport. CIAL MD VJ Kurien had earlier held discussions with the state police about resolving the issue. The police have refused to take her out of the airport. They have agreed to provide her support if she arranges a vehicle and find out an accommodation.

Southern Railways run special trains for Sabarimala devotees

As the Sabarimala shrine is set to reopen today, Thiruvananthapuram division of Southern Railway has decided to operate Sabarimala festival special trains to clear the extra rush of traffic in between Chennai-Kollam and Hyderabad-Kollam. Train Number 06047 Chennai Central – Kollam special fare special train will leave Chennai Central at 8.40 pm on 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 and 31 December and 2, 7, 9 and 14 January to reach Kollam at 12 noon the next day. In return journey, Train No.06048 Kollam – Chennai Central special fare special train will leave Kollam at 3 pm on December 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20 and 27 and January 3, 8 and 10 to reach Chennai Central at 9.45 am the next day.

Kerala HC rejects anticipatory bail for activist Rehana Fathima, who tried to enter shrine in October

The Kerala high court said that Facebook posts of activist Rehana Fathima, a BSNL employee who had made an attempt to enter the Lord Ayyappa Temple in Sabarimala, should be investigated to ascertain whether they "were deliberately intended to outrage the religious feelings of the community". It should also be verified whether other people were involved, whether posts were made as a part of larger conspiracy, the court said. The court also rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Fathima,

Kochi-Mumbai air tickets available, tweets activist Rahul Easwar 

Rahul Easwar, who has been consistently organising protests against women's entry to the shrine, on Friday took to Twitter to mock Trupti Desai's attempts to reach Sabarimala. He even tweeted out that tickets between Kochi and Mumbai.  

No takers for shops near hill shrine in view of police restrictions in Sabarimala 

Devotees, who have no facilities to perform the daily chores and rest at Sabarimala, may have to go without food, beverages and even pooja materials as the shopkeepers have not come forward to open the shops in the light of the restrictions imposed by the police. They said that the police insistence to close the shops at 10 pm would affect their business. Devaswom Executive Officer said this would also affect the revenue of the Travancore Devaswom Board. He said that about 50 percent shops at the hill shrine had no takers when the auction was conducted on Wednesday. The board will be conducting another auction later in the day.

Police to file cases against 250 people for protesting outside Kochi Airport

The Kerala Police has decided to register cases against at least 250 people sitting on protests outside the Cochin International Airport. 

'Trupti Desai must go back', demand BJP, Devaswom Board; Kerala police issues new restrictions

Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar said, "It is better to send Trupti Desai back." Agreeing with the board, BJP has also asked the Kerala government to send Trupti back to Maharashtra. "She is trying to purposely instigate a law and order situation in Kerala,"said Kerala BJP president PS Sreedharan Pillai.

Heavy rains lash Sabarimala, nearby areas as devotees throng shrine 

Meanwhile, heavy rains are lashing Sabarimala and nearby areas and devotees have not yet been allowed to leave for Pamba from here, a key base camp enroute to the temple.  

Image sourced by TK Devasia

Protests break out in Pampa against police restrictions on devotees

According to reports, Thrissur Commissioner of Police GH Yatish Chandra has said that police will only allow people with passes. "It makes our work easier, so I request devotees to get their passes. We won't stop devotees with passes but their entry will be delayed if they don't have one," he said. 

Similarly, the police has also banned devotees from staying at the temple beyond 10 pm. Protests broke out at Pampa against these restrictions imposed by the police on the devotees as well as the traders.

'It is better to send Trupti Desai back': TDB president A Padmakumar

Speaking to reporters in Pampa, Travancore Devaswom Board President A Padmakumar said  that"it is better to send Trupti Desai back."

The TDB also expressed its displeasure on the enhanced police restrictions at Sannidhanam. Where the police had banned overnight stay for devotees, the Board said the move will seriously hamper the 'ney abishekam' ritual, which can cause a lot of inconvenience to devotees.

The Board president rushed to Trivandrum from Pampa to meet the DGP and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the matter.

No stay in Sannidhanam after 10 pm, says Kerala police

State BJP chief urges govt to send Trupti Desai back

State BJP president PS Sreedharan Pillai urged the government to send activist Trupti Desai, who travelled to Kochi airport with the intention to enter the Sabarimala temple, back to Maharashtra.

He said that the activist from Maharashtra had come to Kerala as part of her agenda. He said that the woman, who was an accused in several cases, should not be allowed to challenge genuine devotees vouching for the sanctity of religious customs.

Police allow devotees to enter Sabarimala

Police have started allowing devotees to go to the hill shrine ahead of it opening for the Mandalakala Makaravilakku festival. The two-month-long season will begin with the opening of the doors of the temple at 5 pm.

The devotees, who have been travelling from Nilackal were detained at Pampa as part of the tight security put in place by the police. As per the security plan, the devotees who trek the hill will have to return after the temple closes at 10 pm.

RSS leader says devotees leading the protests, and not the organisation

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Valsan Thillankary, whose help was sought by the police to prevent a flare-up at Sabarimala during a special pooja on 6 November, said that the organisation had no role in the protests being staged by devotees at Kochi airport.

He said that the Ayyppa Karama Sena was leading the protests, adding that the devotees were protesting Trupti Desai's unwillingness to respect the customs and rituals of the temple. 

The devotees will continue the protests if anybody try to enter the temple in violation of the customs, he said.

Ask Trupti Desai whether she came as a devotee or an activist: Congress leader tells police

Senior Congress leader and former minister Pandalam Sudhakaran has alleged a conspiracy behind activist Trupti Desai's attempt to enter the Sabarimala temple. He urged the police to take her into custody and ask her whether she came to Kerala as a devotee or an activist.  “A genuine devotee will not do anything that will destroy the peace in a place of worship. Trupti has come to Kerala to create trouble. This cannot be allowed,” he said.

The Congress leader said that the protests at the airport are being carried out by devotees, including several women, and added that Desai should understand the devotees' sentiments, and desist from going ahead with her plan to enter the temple.

Airport authorities step in to end protests, say airport security at risk

Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) authorities have stepped in to end the protests going at the domestic terminal against women’s entry at the Sabarimala temple. 

Company managing director VJ Kurien informed police that the protests cannot continue indefinitely as it will affect the airport security. He said they will be forced to press Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel to remove the protestors if the police failed to disperse them.

The airport authorities are also talking to Bhumatha Brigade chief Trupti Desai, who has been stuck inside the airport since 4.45 am, to either leave the airport or return to Maharashtra, as she has crossed the time permitted to a passenger to remain inside the terminal.

RECAP: Thomas Isaac asks why BJP, RSS not on SC's list of petitioners seeking review of verdict

Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac on Thursday questioned the BJP and RSS' motives behind supporting the Sabarimala protests. In a tweet, he asked why both political outfits are not a part of the long list of petitioners seeking a review of the Supreme Court verdict.

15,259 police personnel deployed in four phases

The Kerala Police has beefed up security in light of the tension in the state, and has deployed 15,259 police personnel in four phases during the festive season, The New Indian Express reported.

Devaswom minister asks BJP, Congress to dissuade Desai from entering Sabarimala

Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran urged the BJP and the Congress to persuade Bhumatha Brigade chief Trupti Desai to drop her decision to enter the Sabarimala temple and return to Maharashtra. He said that the activist would listen to the leaders of the two parties since she was associated with them. Instead, they are trying to violate her freedom of movement. 

This is not befitting a civilized society, he said. 

Surendran also said that the police have been telling Trupti to reconsider her decision in view of the protests, but to no avail. He said that she has come to Kochi on the strength of the Supreme Court verdict, and that the government cannot force her to go back.

BJP leader says Congress 'shredding Hindu traditions'

In a fresh attack on Congress, the BJP's national IT in-charge Amit Malviya said that activist Trupti Desai had in 2012 contested the Pune Municipal Corporation elections on a Congress ticket. 

He went on to accuse the Congress of "shredding every tradition of Hindu society, one step at a time."

Aluva Tehsildar asks Trupti Desai to leave Kochi

CNN-News18 reported that activist Trupti Desai was asked by the Aluva Tehsildar to leave Kochi, and not create a "law and order issue." She was also told that she will receive a call from Chief Miniter Pinarayi Vijayan's office.

Kerala HC rejects Rehana Fathima’s anticipatory bail

The Kerala high court on Friday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of activist Rehana Fathima, who tried to enter the shrine ​when the temple opened in October for the first time since the Supreme Court verdict. The court further instructed the Kerala police to go ahead with necessary action against the activist, according to reports.

Rahul Easwar warns of protests in four districts of Kerala if Trupti Desai attempts to leave airport

Sending out a 'formal request' to Kerala Police to send Trupti Desai back to Maharashtra, Rahul Easwar tweeted saying that if the activist was not sent back, protests will rage on in all four districts enroute Sabarimala. 

Will go to Sabarimala, with or without security, says Trupti Desai 

Kerala remains on edge as Sabarimala shrine authorities prepare to open gates, temple board plans to move court for time 

Anticipating protests, prohibitory orders have been issued at Sabarimala and adjoining areas. Meanwhile, the Kerala government has given a go ahead to the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), which manages the Sabarimala temple, to move court to seek more time to implement the Supreme Court order. TDB president A Padmakumar said the board has taken an in-principle decision to approach the court. 

Trupti Desai wants Kerala govt to bear expenses for her trip to Sabarimala; authorities deny special treament

In her letter to the Kerala chief minister, Trupti Desai had asked for all expenses spent for her Sabarimala visit, including hotel accommodation, travel and security, to be borne by the state government. She also sought security arrangements from airport to Sabarimala, and till the time she returned back to Maharashtra. However, the government has reportedly denied her any special treatment for now. 

Trupti Desai narrates her ordeal since morning, says won't return until she get darshan

Speaking to ANI, activist and Bhumata Brigade founder Trupti Desai said, "We reached the Cochin Airport at around 4:30 am but protests were already being held outside. We tried to book a taxi 2-3 times but drivers have been threatened that their vehicle will be vandalised if they offer us a drive. Police have said that we can't go outside now. They even tried to evacuate us from another gate but protesters were there as well." 

"Does this mean that the protesters are scared that we'll reach Sabarimala once we reach Nilakkal, or, are they trying to scare us? We won't return until we have 'darshan'," Desai added. 

Kerala Police tries to book online cab, hotel for Trupti Desai to end stalemate at airport; BJP threatens with massive protests

The Kerala police are trying to take Bhumatha Brigade chief Trupti Desai, who is stuck in the Kochi airport, to a hotel in the city. The police have reportedly arranged an online taxi to take her. However, the BJP said they will not allow the activist to go out of the airport. Party's Ernakulam secretary MN Vasu said there was no option before Trupti other than going back to her state. If the police take her to a hotel, the BJP will spread the protests outside the airport, Vasu added.

Sabarimala devotees turn vigilantes, check hotel rooms, private vehicles leaving airport to 'stop' Trupti Desai 

Sabarimala devotees protesting outside Cochin International Airport have now resorted to checking private vehicles heading out from the airport and hotels in the city to ensure that Trupti Desai doesn't slip out of the airport with police's help, NDTV reported. Earlier, BJP leader K Surendran alleged that the Kerala government was using "dubious means" to whisk away Desai from the airport and take her to the shrine. 

Protesting crowds swell at Kerala airport

Protesters have gathered in huge numbers outside Kochi airport on the arrival of activist Trupti Desai. The crowd, initially bordering under 100 has now swelled up to about 500 people by conservative estimates, News18 reported. The protesters are chanting Lord Ayyappa prayers and have started a sit-in protest against the Bhumata Brigade founder's visit to the shrine. 

Image Sourced by TK Devasia

BJP leader K Surendran alleges Kerala govt trying to secretly take Trupti Desai to Sabarimala

BJP general secretary K Surendran said the devotees will stage protests even at Raj Bhavan and Cliff House, the residences of Governor and Chief Minister, if any women below the age of 50 go there with the intention of entering the Sabarimala temple. Talking to reporters at the airport, he alleged that the government was trying to take Trupti Desai to the temple through dubious means. “We will not allow her to come out of the airport if she remains adamant on her stand. It is better for her to return” he added

Kerala govt deploys zero emission, noiseless electric buses in Sabarimala

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced plans to run 10 electric buses for pilgrims to travel to Sabarimala when the temple opens for the annual 'mandala' pooja festivities on Friday evening. 

Over five hours after landing, Trupti Desai still camping at Cochin Airport 

Trupti Desai who landed at the Cochin International Airport at 4.40 am today morning is still holed up there. ANI shared pictures of her having breakfast at the airport's waiting area. Meanwhile, the protesters outside the airport refused to budge from their stance as their crowd continued to swell. According to News18, at least 500 protesters are estimated to have been gathered outside the airport premise. 

'Will camp at airport for 41 days if needed but won't let Trupti Desai enter Sabarimala'

"We will continue to stay in at the airport all night if required, not just tonight we will be here for the next 41 days. There is no way that we will allow Trupti Desai to leave the airport," Hindu Aikya Vedi Leader K Haridas said speaking to CNN-News18. 

Section 144 imposed in Elavumkal, Nilakkal, Pamba and Sabarimala

Authorities have imposed Section 44 in Elavumkal, Nilakkal, Pamba and Sabarimala districts ahead of the pilgrimage season starting today. The gates of the temple will be opened at 5pm and will be shut at 10 pm in the night. The temple will remain open for 41 days for the two-month-long Madala-Makkarvilakku puja.  

Trupti Desai vows to not leave Kerala until she's allowed at Sabarimala; 'over our bodies,' say devotees

Kerala Police seeks help from RSS, Hindu group leaders to dissuade Trupti Desai from entering Sabarimala

The Kerala Police have sought the help of leaders of the Sangh Parivar and Hindu organisations to dissuade Maharashtra-based woman activist Trupti Desai from going to Sabarimala. Hindu Aikya Vedi general secretary RV Babu is coordinating the effort. However, Trupti has not been responding to his telephone calls. 

Police had appealed to the activist to return considering the protests. However, she has refused to step back. She said she will stay somewhere in Kerala and go to Sabarimala when situation becomes conducive.

Kerala govt allows Devaswom Board to appeal for stay on SC verdict

The government has permitted the Travancore Devaswom Board to approach Supreme Court for more time to implement the verdict. The board is going to hold a  meeting today morning to take a final decision on this. 

Police attempt to take Trupti out throrugh airport's cargo area fails

The Kerala Police's attempt to end the stalemate at Kochi airport by taking Trupti Desai out through the airport's cargo area failed as protesters caught wind of the move. 

'Over our bodies': Sabarimala protesters dare police to take Trupti Desai to Pambha 

Crowd of Lord Ayyappa devotees protesting against the entry of women between the age groups of 10 and 55 continued to swell outside the Kochi airport. Protesters lay down on the road asking the police to take her over their bodies as tension gripped the area. 

After four hours, Trupti Desai still inside Kochi airport

Founder-president of the Bhumata Brigade, Trupti Desai, had also spearheaded the movement to ensure entry to women at the Shani Shignapur temple in Maharashtra.

When asked if she was scared for her life (for attempting to enter Sabarimala), Desai replied, “No, because this is a fight for equality. I’m an activist, but I’m also a devotee of God. I led the movement at Shani Shignapur because I’m a devotee. If God doesn’t discriminate among devotees, who are we to?”