Complaint filed against 'Right to Pray' activist Trupti Desai in Kerala for challenging religious traditions

A day after she was forced to return to Mumbai from Kerala after devotees of Sabarimala did not allow her to move past them at the Kochi airport, a complaint has been filed against Right to Pray activist Trupti Desai for allegedly challenging religious traditions.

Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has filed a complaint against her at the Nedumbassery police station, seeking a case to be registered under the sections 295 A & 163 A.

The complainant has stated that Trupti was trying to challenge the religious traditions, and her actions could lead to chaos. Further, it is also stated in the complaint that she did not undergo a 41-day penance, and neither did she black clothes or the 'Irumudi' with her.

Ever since the Supreme Court in September ruled that women of all age group can enter the Sabarimala temple, the devotees of Lord Ayyappa have protested across the country against the decision.

Twice the doors of the temple have been opened since the order, but both times, no women could enter the shrine. And on Friday, the temple doors were open for the third time, and Trupti was hoping to be the first woman to step her foot inside the temple premises. But little did she know that at the airport, which is hundreds of kilometers away from the holy place, she will be met with a huge protest which will force her back. 

Along with a few colleagues of hers, Trupti had reached the Kochi airport at 4:40 am on Friday, but there were hundreds of protesters blocking her exit. Amongst those protesting were some BJP workers, who made it clear that neither the activist, nor her colleagues, will be allowed to leave the airport.

READ: Massive Protests Hamper Trupti Desai's Resolve To Enter Sabarimala Temple, Bhoomata Brigade Leader To Come Back To Mumbai Tonight

Despite a heavy police force present at the situation, Trupti wasn't allowed by the protesters to leave the location. For hours, she remained at the airport and stuck to her resolve. But after things got wild and the number of protesters increased, the cops advised her to return to Mumbai. In the evening, she decided to go with the suggestion of the cops and left the place via a 9:30 flight to Mumbai.

But before she made her way back, Trupti spoke about the on-ground situation which had forced her hand. Speaking exclusively to Republic TV, she said,

"There are no hotels allowing us to stay, the cabs have also denied us to take to the temple. I have met with the police, they said violence may increase if we stay the night and the situation may get out of control. The attackers may get into the airport to cause hurt."