SABARIMALA: A pilgrim was allegedly beaten up by the police while he was climbing the 'Pathinettam Padi' (sacred steps). The said person, Dayanand (24), a native of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu was injured and sought treatment at Sannidhanam Govt. Hospital. The incident happened at 11.30 am yesterday.

The Indian Reserve Battalion of the Kerala Police was on duty on the steps. Dayanand said that when he was beaten while climbing the stairs, and he was brutally beaten again for questioning the act. According to the complaint, those who were with him were also beaten up. Sannidhanam police has recorded the statement of Dayanand who suffered injuries in chest and leg.

Dayanand said that he would lodge a complaint with the higher police officers asking them to check the CCTV footage of the sacred steps between 11 am and 11:30 am. Many pilgrims, including children, were injured in recent days due to the use of force by the police.