Thiruvananthapuram: In what could be a cowardly act an ashram in Kerala, founded by the man who supported the Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of menstruating age to the famous Sabarimala temple, was attacked by unidentified people on Friday night.
According to reports, two cars and a scooter belonging to Swami Sandeepananda Giri’s School of Bhagavad Gita on the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram were set ablaze at around 2:30 am. The attackers also put a wreath in front of the Hermitage.
Meanwhile, police have been posted in the ashram following the attack. Police have registered a case and are on the lookout for the attackers.
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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took stalk of the situation as he visited the ashram on Saturday morning and condemned the attack.
“Physical attacks happen when you can’t deal ideologically. We will not allow anyone to take law and order in their hands. Those who are intolerant towards Swami’s activities attacked his ashram,” Vijayan said.
Reports suggest that Sandeepananda Giri, who is the director of the ashram, faced threats after he supported the entry of menstruating age into the hill shrine.
The Supreme Court order last month overturned the centuries-old ban on women of menstruating age entering the temple of Lord Ayyappa.
Protests and violence were witnessed as the temple opened to devotees for five days earlier this month. Over 2,000 people from across the state have been arrested after authorities launched a crackdown on protesters who prevented women from entering the temple.