KOTTAYAM: Kanaka Durga and Bindu, who were hospitalised after their failed attempt to enter Sabarimala temple on Monday and later went on fast at hospital, alleging that they were in police custody, ended the fast after police gave the assurance they will be provided an opportunity to climb Sabarimala after Mandalam season.

They were admitted in Kottayam Medical College on Monday noon and they started fast at around 2 pm on Tuesday, demanding their release from virtual police custody. They also alleged that the police had seized their phones.

Police sources said the women had talked to Kottayam DySP, who told them that it would be not be practical to give them protection during Mandalam season.

Doctors who examined them said the women had no serious health issues. Meanwhile police said, quoting Intelligence report that, shifting women to their houses was not a safe option. Nevertheless, they said they were ready to take women to the place they wish to go.