KOCHI: High Court has come forward with harsh criticism against the state government for the arrests made in connection with the attacks in Sabarimala. "The government should not play for the galleries. They should only arrest those people who are directly involved in the attacks. The government has to pay very high price if they arrest anyone innocent. However, the police should investigate whether only devotees have reached Sabarimala. The government should immediately give an explanation regarding this matter", said High Court. The court was considering the plea filed by Suresh Raj and Anoj Raj, natives of Pathanamthitta who alleged that the arrests were illegal. The court will consider the petitions again on Monday.

Meantime, 451 cases have been registered and 2061 people were arrested in connection with the attacks across the state over Sabarimala women entry. The arrests were made as directed by the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the high police officials' meet held at Thiruvananthapuram on the previous day. 58 cases were registered and 153 people have been arrested in Pathanamthitta. 56 people have been charged with non-bailable offence and they were remanded. The police have been arresting those who are involved in attacks at Sabarimala when the temple was opened for the monthly poojas of Thulam. The attackers were arrested from their homes on Thursday and Friday. About 1500 people have got bail. However, those who are charged with non-bailable offence will be remanded after presenting before the court.