The Kochi Central Police have filed a case against Rahul Easwar, the president of the Ayyappa Dharma Sena, on Friday for his controversial statement where he had stated that there were about 20 people waiting to cut their own hands and spill blood in Sabarimala if any woman between the ages 10 and 50 enters the temple.
Talking to TNM, an official at the Kochi Central Police station said that the case has been registered following a complaint filed by a native of Thiruvananthapuram at the Commissioner's office.
"Rahul has been booked under Section 117 (Abetting commission of offence by the public or by more than ten persons) and Section 153A (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony)of the IPC and 118(E) of the Kerala Police Act," said the official at the Kochi Central Police station.
After violent protests at the Sabarimala temple, Rahul Easwar was arrested and later let out on bail. After being released on bail, Rahul addressed the media and spoke of a “backup plan” to ensure the temple doors were shut if women between the ages of 10 and 50 came close to entering the temple.
Rahul Easwar had been leading protests against the Supreme Court verdict allowing the entry of women of all ages into the temple.
"There is provision to close the temple if there is a failure in rituals. We also need a Plan B and Plan C. Not just the government, we too need it. I am saying this openly. If anyone (woman between the ages of 10 and 50) tried to enter the temple with the help of the police, about 20 people were ready to make a cut on their hand and shed blood. If that happens, the temple would have to be closed for three days (on account of desecration). There is no need to open it no matter who says so. If we are being provoked like that, we too have our ways. If blood or urine falls on the temple, it has to be closed. This is faith," Rahul said at the press conference.