Trupti Desai, the gender equality activist, has been stopped by protesters at the Kochi Airport to stop her from visiting the Sabarimala Temple this morning. She is the founder of the Bhumata Brigade and hails from Pune.
Trupti has pledged to reach the temple with six other women on November 17 and requested for security from the Chief Minister of Kerala, however, looking at the current situation, there is a big question in the minds of the people. Her exit has been blocked by around 300 protesters at the domestic terminal of the airport.
Also Read: Sabarimala temple opens but angry protesters keep women, under 50, out
Kochi: Trupti Desai, founder of Bhumata Brigade, at Cochin International Airport. Protests are underway outside the airport against her visit to #SabarimalaTemple. #Kerala pic.twitter.com/T3y1JEj8ZH
— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018
Kerala: Protesters gather outside Cochin International Airport. Trupti Desai, founder of Bhumata Brigade, has arrived at the airport from Pune. She had written to Kerala CM seeking security for her visit to #SabrimalaTemple on 17 November. pic.twitter.com/QbzdSZeyKa
— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018
Maharashtra: Trupti Desai, founder of Bhumata Brigade, leaves for Kerala. She had written to Kerala CM seeking security for her visit to #SabrimalaTemple on 17 Nov;says “Team of 7 women will visit the temple. Receiving threats since y’day. I believe govt will provide us security” pic.twitter.com/jVqvmuuQ6D
— ANI (@ANI) November 15, 2018
Trupti and the other six women all above 50 years of age arrived at 4.40 AM this morning at the airport and according to the current reports, she is still halted at the exit.
The cab drivers have also refused to give a lift to the ladies since they are fearful of their own security. The drivers have been threatened for safety of their cars and themselves by the protesters.
Won’t allow Trupti Desai to go out from airport using police vehicle or other govt means.Airport taxies also won’t take her.If she wants,she can use her own vehicle.There will be agitations all along her way even if she goes out from airport: MN Gopi, BJP, outside Cochin airport pic.twitter.com/sRoT0kZtUj
— ANI (@ANI) November 16, 2018
The opening of the Sabarimala Temple is scheduled for this evening and everyone including women of all age groups are permitted to visit the hilltop Lord Ayyappa Temple to offer prayers after the verdict from the apex court. However, the women who have tried to visit the temple so far have been stopped by activists and devotees.
Also Read: SC allows entry of all women to Sabarimala Temple, breaking age-old practice
According to ANI, ahead of the Sabarimala Temple re-opening today, authorities have imposed Section 144 in the towns of Nilakkal, Pamba, and Sannidhanman.
(With inputs from ANI)