NEDUMBASSERY: Defending her decision to go back to Pune without visiting Sabarimala, Bhumatha Brigade leader Trupti Desai said on Friday that she was not returning for fear of believers. She was returning following the request of Kerala police not to create any law and order problem.

“From the time I landed in the airport, protesters have been hurling abuse at me. Some people tried to attack me. Are these the devotees of Ayyappa. It is believers who got scared of me,” Trupti said.

Trupti said that hoteliers were not ready to accommodate her in their hotels. Taxi drivers were also not ready to move me out of the airport, fearing attack. “Don’t think I’m returning out of fear. Goondaism will not work. I have the backing of the Supreme Court order. I will come back again, but without any announcement,” she said.