THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police has stepped up vigil at Sabarimala in the wake of activist Trupti Desai announcing that she will lead a group of women to the hill shrine this month defying tradition. While they maintain that they were still in the dark about any specific plans of the Bhumata Brigade chief to visit Sabarimala, Ms Desai told DC that she would be announcing the day of her visit soon.
To plug chances of the activists entering the temple in disguise, they have also intensified scanning of pilgrims at various points leading to the temple. “Foolproof security checks are being carried out at Sabarimala and hence the chance of any women in the restricted age limits entering the temple is very remote," said a senior police officer in charge of Sabarimala security. State police chief Loknath Behera said so far there was no specific information that any women activist would try to enter the temple.
“In the present context, we can't allow women in the restricted age limits to enter the temple. Hence if we get specific information that any women are trying to defy the ban, we will take necessary steps to prevent it,” said Mr Behera. However, Ms Desai said there was no change in her plans to lead a ‘women's delegation’ under the banner Bhoomatha Brigade to the temple. "I will be announcing the date of the visit soon," she said.
The police is screening all women moving towards the hill shrine at Pampa and Pulmedu. "Even if someone manages to reach up to the temple premises through forests, the chances for entering sanctum sanctorum is almost nil as intense screening is done near the holy steps. It is also ensured that the police personnel who carry out the screening could recognise Trupti," said police sources. They anticipate that the activist might keep off any attempt to forcibly enter the temple defying the customary ban as it could invite the wrath of the devotees and end up in serious law and order issues.
