In a significant revelation, former Director General of Police (DGP) A. Hemachandran has brought forth important insights regarding the contentious issue of women’s entry into the Sabarimala temple. In his autobiography titled ‘Neethi Evide,’ (Where is Justice?) Hemachandran sheds light on alleged preferential treatment given to young women who breached the temple’s customs, and the government’s response to the incident.
According to the autobiography, the government submitted a report to the High Court accusing the believers of fanaticism, while taking a positive stance on the violation of the temple’s customs. Hemachandran’s account highlights that the young women who flouted the ritual were given VIP treatment, with the police clearing their path to reach Pampa by forcefully dealing with devotees. Additionally, the police reportedly aided the women in reaching Pampa when devotees attempted to stop them. The former DGP also reveals that young women, including members of the Maniti Sangam from Tamil Nadu, received special treatment.
Hemachandran further points out that the unnecessary restrictions imposed caused anguish among devotees. The events of that day, as mentioned in the book, also created unrest within the police force. The autobiography highlights that even the government viewed the High Court monitoring committee, of which Hemachandran was a member, with security concerns. It suggests that the government violated customs for its own vested interests.
The police reportedly allowed the Maniti group to enter Sabarimala, which escalated the situation with their intervention. The heavy police presence for the Maniti Sangh made it difficult for devotees who had come for darshan. Hemachandran recounts how he opposed providing special security exclusively to the Maniti team, advocating for equal protection for all devotees. However, his stance was deemed contempt of court by DGP Loknath Behra, to whom he reported the issue.
Elaborate arrangements were made by the police for the Maniti Sangh, leading to confrontations between devotees and activists. The monitoring committee stepped in when the situation worsened at Sannidhanam. Hemachandran expressed his discontent directly to the Chief Minister regarding the police’s attitude at Sabarimala.
Despite his objections, the Chief Minister reportedly disregarded Hemachandran’s stand, as the police report presented a different perspective. The former DGP highlights a significant failure on the part of the police concerning the entry of young women. The report submitted to the High Court described the believers as religious fanatics, according to Hemachandran’s account in the book.
The revelations made by A. Hemachandran in his autobiography have sparked renewed discussions and debates surrounding the Sabarimala temple entry issue.
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