Frying fish on temple premises; ruckus at Chottanikkara Devi temple due to Andhra natives' love for non-veg food

KOCHI: Andhra natives who had come to visit the Chottanikkara Devi temple tried to fry fish in temple premises, causing a ruckus. The group arrived in a tourist bus at around 9:30 am on Tuesday at Pooram grounds, which is used as a parking ground. The owner of a nearby lodge forbade them from eating non-veg but the group did not listen. The group was preparing to fry a plate full of fish when the Devaswom Assistant Commissioner and Manager reached the spot.

When informed that non-veg is not allowed in the temple premises, the group replied that they did not know it. Meanwhile, a former advisory committee secretary and another prominent person came to the fore in defence of the out-of-state visitors, which led to a verbal altercation. Chottanikkara police also reached the spot.

The Andhra group paid a fine of Rs 2000 to the Devaswom for littering the premises. Most of the people from other states come to Kerala in packages that combine tourism and visiting holy places.

High Court verdict not implemented

Although the High Court had ruled years ago to enclose the Pooram grounds, the main parking ground of the temple, with a wall, it has not been implemented yet. Littering and drug use are common within the grounds due to the lack of security personnel. It is alleged that the Pooram grounds were not enclosed with a wall to help nearby traders and lodge owners.