Photoshoot on holy steps: ADGP S Sreejith directs cops to undergo good conduct training

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Action against policemen on duty for posing for a photoshoot on the holy 18 steps, which devotees consider sacred like the shrine. ADGP S Sreejith has directed 23 policemen from the SAP camp who participated in the photoshoot to undergo good conduct training at the Kannur 'KAP 4' camp. The ADGP has strictly directed that they be given intensive training. A report will be submitted to the high court in this regard tomorrow.

In addition to the devotees, Hindu Aikya Vedi, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Kshetra Samrakshana Samithi, and Achara Samrakshana Samithi had also come forward alleging that their actions violated the rituals. Vishwa Hindu Parishad also filed a petition in the high court in this regard. Action was taken against the policemen while the protests intensified. It is not clear whether more action will be taken against them.

A huge controversy sparked after the photo taken on the holy 18 steps went viral on social media. Following that, a show-cause notice was issued to the policemen. The incident happened on Saturday afternoon. After the sanctum sanctorum closed at 1 pm, about thirty policemen lined up from the bottom to the top on holy steps posing for the photo. They were part of the first batch of police at the Sannidhanam who left duty on Monday morning. They were assigned on the holy steps for duty. Even the acharyas, including the melshanti and the Tantri, do not turn their backs on the holy steps even during the pujas.

No one will be allowed to step the holy steps without the irumudikettu. The holy steps are one that devotees consider sacred like the shrine. Only a representative of the Pandalam royal palace has the right to climb the holy steps (pathinettampadi) without an irumudikettu. The policemen help the devotees climb the steps from the side of the steps. Taking photos in the Sannidhanam is prohibited. Ignoring this, some pilgrims take photos on their mobile phones.