A day after her initial attempt to visit Sabarimala came to naught in the face of protests, the police assured protection to Ammini, a Dalit rights activist from Wayanad, to help complete her pilgrimage.
Ms. Ammini received a formal assurance from Kottayam District Police Chief Hari Sankar here on Monday. “There are certain practical difficulties in taking her to the hillock. She has been directed to keep the details of her visit secret,” Mr. Sankar told the media.
Earlier in the day, she approached the DPC seeking protection to resume her pilgrimage within three days. The demand was rejected and she was asked to contact the officer in charge of security at Sabarimala.
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Official sources said the police were exploring options to take her to the hillock on an off-peak day. Ms. Ammini told the media later that she wanted to complete the pilgrimage in the current season itself. “I have sought protection up to the Sannidhanam. The date of pilgrimage will be finalised after consultations,” she said.
Meanwhile, the police took six persons, including two women, into custody for hurling rotten eggs at Bindu and Kanakadurga, who attempted to trek to Sabarimala in the morning. The incident took place in the evening when they were brought to the Medical College Hospital, Kottayam.
As soon as the vehicle reached the hospital, Sangh Parivar workers attempted to barge into the compound. They were prevented by a police team.
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The protesters hurled eggs at the women, which hit a couple of policemen.