KOCHI: The Cochin Devaswom Board hid the action report on the casteism against non-brahmin Santhi at the famous Thiruvilamala Viladhrinath Temple. It did not even ask for an explanation to those related to it. The Board rejected the complaint of V Devajith who was one of the first non-brahmin Shanthi.

On November 19, Devajith from the Ezhava community got selected to the Kundil Ayyappankovil at the Viladhrinath temple through the Devaswom Recruitment Board. He was not allowed to enter certain places and Nivedyam was given outside the door. Last February, when Devajith questioned this he was insulted in the name of caste by Melshanthi Vamanan Namboothiri and Keezh Shanthi KG Rajesh in front of the devotees. He complained this to the Devaswom President.

There was a counter complaint that Devajith abused orally and also questioned the authority of the Tantri.

The Devaswom manager and Assistant Commissioner investigated and submitted a report for taking action. The file was noted to be submitted at the board meeting. But the file has not been moved. Last year on April 15, the Special Commission noted in the file that there was no issue now and further action will be taken after contacting the AC. Since then, no action has been taken.

The investigation of the Devaswom Manager and the Assistant Commissioner report justifies the complaint. According to Vamanan Namboothiri and Rajesh, it was the Temple Tantri who instructed the ban on entry of Devajith into Thidappally.

As Devajith is allowed entry now, the Devaswom Board is saying that the issue must be settled. According to the report of the AC the tantric is not the supreme authority but it is the Devaswom Board, and the employees must obey the board’s orders.