Police official, who entered Sannidhanam wearing slippers, removed from Sabarimala duty

SABARIMALA: In a strict punitive action, authorities removed a police officer from Sabarimala duty after he was caught wearing footwear near the sacred space of Sannidhanam. Rajesh, an officer at the Thiruvananthapuram SAP camp, caught for sanctity violation, was transferred back to the camp.

S. Sreejith, the chief coordinator of the police in charge of Sabarimala, announced a departmental inquiry. Rajesh, wearing sandals, stood near the Sopanam at 8.45 pm the previous night. Devotees, who captured the visuals, posted them on social media, resulting in an uproar. The police were left with no option but to initiate an investigation following the massive protest.

Police officials on duty at Sabarimala are repeatedly made aware of the temple customs, so as to avoid being insolent.