Sabarimala pilgrims served liquids with toilet water, police issue stop memo to shop owner

In a shocking case, during the most important period for the pilgrims of Sabarimala during the year, a shop in the vicinity of the pilgrimage site was allegedly selling liquids using toilet water. Consequently a stop memo was issued to the shop. However, the police informed no case has been filed after the incident came to light.

According to the exclusive visuals accessed by Republic, a blue-coloured hose was found connecting both the adjacent bathroom and the shop selling the liquids, with the pipe coming out from the grill of the toilet extending up to the shop.

Toilet water used to serve Sabarimala pilgrims 

The owner of the shop found breaking the rules was identified Abdul Shemim, sources said. He is also the area secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of CPIM. After the combined inspection conducted by the Revenue and Health department, a stop memo was issued to the shop. The shop in Sabarimala at Erumeli was found using hose from the adjacent toilet for water supply to make tea and lime juice.

Notably, the incident has occurred during the peak season for the Sabarimala temple, when the 41-day pilgrimage known as the mandala (season), which is scheduled for December and January is all set to begin.

The shop was granted a temporary license to sell non-edible items. However, that rule was also flouted. Republic TV called the police multiple times; however the officials informed that no case has been filed despite the physical presence of the police team at the site. The BJP local leadership said CPIM and Congress were trying to protect the shop owner and not filing a case.