KOCHI: Devotees assaulted an official of the devaswom board and his driver for misbehaving with a woman who came to pray at the temple. The incident happened Saturday early morning at 3.30 am. A top official of the devaswom board was beaten up for misbehaving with the woman. The woman, a native of Ernakulam and belonging to the scheduled caste, lodged a complaint to the board and the police. The devaswom vigilance probed the incident at the premises of the temple soon after getting the complaint. The police has so far not registered a case on it.

The complaint mentioned that the official and his driver misbehaved with her at the sathram near the nadapandal of the famous Chottanikkara Temple. When she shouted, those in the temple including the Ayyappa devotees rushed to her rescue and beat them up. The devaswom vigilance recorded her statement later.

The official and his driver sustained injuries all over their bodies. The alleged accused is the main leader of congress affiliated organisation of Cochin Devaswom Board employees. The Cochin Devaswom Board employees’ organisation has given a complaint seeking an immediate probe on the incident. Meantime, it is also heard that there is a move to resolve the complaint.