Ashram of Swami Sandeepananda Giri, who supported Sabarimala verdict, attacked

Alleging that BJP state president Sreedharan Pillai, Thazhamon tantri and Pandalam royal family were behind the attack, Giri said, “They are trying to destroy the people who say the truth to the public.” He also said he came to know about the incident after the neighbours informed him, according to a report by Mathrubhumi.

However, BJP district leadership has denied any role in the attack and demanded an “unbiased” probe into the incident.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who visited the ashram, condemned the attack. “The attack on the ashram of Sandeepananda Giri is condemnable,” he tweeted. “Physical attacks happen when you can’t deal ideologically. Will not allow anyone to take law and order in their hands. Those who are intolerant towards Swami’s activities attacked his ashram,” ANI quoted Vijayan as saying.

Vijayan said stringent action would be taken against the accused, whoever they may be. Their aim was not to destroy the ashram, but swamiji. Later in the day, Kerala Minister KK Shailaja also visited Giri’s ashram.

Kerala witnessed massive protests from devotees at various places, including Sabarimala, Nilakkal and Pamba, against permitting women of all ages to enter the shrine, where the deity is ‘Naishtika Brahmachari’ (perennial celibate), when the temple was opened for monthly poojas from October 17-22. At least 12 women in the ‘barred’ age group (10-50) had tried to trek the hills to offer prayers but had to retreat following widespread protests.