Kochi: Non-bailable charge against Rahul Easwar

Kochi: The Ernakulam Central police on Friday registered an FIR against activist Rahul Easwar under non-bailable sections for his controversial remarks in connection with the Sabarimala issue. He had told reporters here on Wednesday that he had arranged activists to desecrate the sanctum sanctorum of the temple by spilling their own blood to stop young women from entering it.

“Based on his statements, we have registered an FIR against him. An investigation is on in this regard,” the police said.

The case has been registered under sections 117 (abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons) and 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) of the IPC.

However, Rahul had later changed his statements saying that he was diverting those who were ready to take extreme steps. He also said they were resorting to  Gandhian modes of protest against them.

Meanwhile, the police are likely to take legal action against Rahul for a picture he posted on the social media platform, Instagram, in which he posed with walkie-talkie sets. The caption of the picture reads "Getting ready for a Battle in the Mountains. Walkie Talkies for Communication for our #Ayyappa devotees, Tribal bros & sis. Thanks for support from our Muslim & Christian bros." (sic)

Top police sources said that it was incriminating and hence action could be taken. The walkie-talkie sets could also be seized from him, said sources.

A Thiruvananthapuram native had filed a complaint against the provocative speech made by Easwar, who belongs to the Thazhamon family of Sabarimala tantris, the police said.

Devaswom Minister Kadakkampally Surendran had claimed on Thursday that effective police intervention had foiled the protesters' bid to ‘desecrate’ the Ayyappa temple by spilling blood on the premises if women devotees in the 10-50 age group offered prayers.

He had said the ‘conspiracy’ of the devotees was made clear by the statement of Easwar.

"This was a planned attempt to desecrate the holy temple, but effective police intervention defeated their efforts," Mr Surendran said.

This was not only 'seditious,' but also against the interest of devotees, he said.

The Kerala High Court had on Thursday dismissed a public interest litigation seeking the barring of the entry of women in the menstrual age group into the Sabarimala shrine till additional facilities were set up for them, and said the petitioner can approach the Supreme Court.