More Than 1500 People Arrested For Violence, Preventing Women Entry Into Sabarimala Temple

Over 1500 people have been arrested by the Kerala Police over the last two days in connection with the Sabarimala protests. The police had launched massive searches for those who resorted to violence to stop women of menstruating age entering Lord Ayyappa Temple, despite the Supreme Court order.

Lookout notices were issued against 210 people and cases registered against 2,000. Multiple arrests were made in Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Pallakad, Thrissur, Kottayam and Alappuzha.

The renowned Sabarimala shrine opened for devotees on October 17, after Supreme Court's historic verdict. The verdict received massive opposition from hardliners, with violent protests ensuing in different areas to stop women from entering the temple.

Protesters had vandalised police vehicles, KSRTC buses, heckled and attacked women journalists covering the issue and mobbed women devotees of the barred age group.

Police has confirmed that more arrests will be made soon, and have also requested the public to send information about culprits.

Thirty men from Kozhikode, who were allegedly members of Hindutva groups, were arrested on Wednesday for organizing protest marches without prior permissions, fanning violence and causing damage to public property, Manorama online reported. Police said the suspects were later released on bail.