Sabarimala violence: Three SDPI workers arrested for stabbing BJP worker

Three SDPI workers have been arrested on Friday from Thrissur for stabbing a BJP worker.

The worker was stabbed on Wednesday after political violence broke out in Kerala after two women of menstruating age entered the temple.

The SDPI workers have been arrested for attempted murder, say police sources.

On Thursday, CPIM and BJP activists went on a rampage in Adoor region of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala where the Sabarimala shrine is located. Eight to ten houses and a few shops belonging to activists from both sides were attacked. 

The miscreants have damaged vehicles parked outside the house. 

CPIM district secretariat members house was also attacked.

On Thursday 11 BJP activists were arrested in connection with the violence in Adoor town. Three workers were also arrested.

READ: Despite The Heckling By Right-wing Protestors, A Teary-eyed Camerawoman Persistently Films The Sabarimala Protests; Social Media Hails In Support

Fresh cases are being registered against both party workers in the connection to the incident.

Another woman in her late-40s entered the Temple on Thursday night amid the ongoing protests in several parts of the Southern region of the country. The 46-year-old woman, hailing from Sri Lanka, is identified as Sasikala. As per sources, Sasikala went till the 18 holy steps at the temple, popularly called Pathinettampadi, however, she was stopped by the police and was asked to return back.

After being blocked to enter, she presented her medical certificate stating that she has reached menopause and also said that she had 48 days of Mandala Vratham(fast) before offering darshan at the temple. 

While speaking to the reporters at the temple, irked Sasikala stated that she was stopped by the police before heading towards the 18 holy steps to enter the temple.

"I did not get the darshan. They did not allow me to offer prayers. I went near the steps, they did not let me go. I have a medical certificate. I am not afraid of anyone. I have come here for god. The rules state that we have to maintain penance for 48 days. I have followed the 48 days Mandalam Vritham after I reached there. They told me I cannot go there. Police did not let me go ahead, I could not get the darshan. I will be calm. Ayyappan will answer. I am an Ayyappan devotee. They did not let me climb the steps."

READ: 46-year-old Sri Lankan Woman Blocked 18 Steps From Sabarimala Shrine Despite Producing Menopause Certificate