KONNI: Shobhana, the owner of Vasanthi Mutt, who was arrested from Malayalapuzha for performing black magic using children was earlier known in the name Shobhana Thilak. She used to stay in Mezhuveli earlier and frequently fought with the neighbors. She has also filed complaints against many people. Shobhana, who is a native of Kumbazha, had previously established ashrams in Mallassery and Eliyarackal. Fifteen years ago, Shobhana Thilak, her husband and two sons started living in a rented house in Mezhuveli.

Later, they bought the same house. At that time her husband was working in Gulf. Meanwhile, she regularly fought with the locals. She also lodged a complaint against six people, stating that they had assaulted her. Her husband, who returned from abroad was shocked to hear all these stories. With the help of police, he ousted her from the house.

The husband sold the house and returned to his hometown with his two children. Shobhana also returned to Kumbazha. Then Shobhana, who started an ashram in Eliyarackal, attracted people towards here. Later she changed her name to Vasanthi Amma. Many people approached her for performing black magic. As the income increased, she started lending money for interest.

It is also reported that she had assigned goons to collect money. She took over the house in Pothipattu from one such person who had borrowed money from her. On Tuesdays and Fridays many devotees came here from distant places. In the meantime, she had issues with neighbors in Pothipattu. Many locals complained to the police about facing verbal abuse.

It is also reported that she had assigned agents near the premises of Malayalapuzha temple for attracting people to the ashram. There were also complaints that children had to be naked for performing rituals. The locals were afraid of her. She used to wear banyan and three-fourth. After removing the clothes of the women who come for the pujas, she hurls abuses at them. She once left the area due to protest from the locals and later returned. She also threatened the police officers who came to investigate the complaint against her.