Just a few hours after two women – Bindu and Kanakadurga – in their forties became the first female pilgrims to have worshipped at Sabarimala, the brother of Kanakadurga, Bharath, alleges conspiracy at play.
Bindu and Kanakadurga had first tried to enter Sabarimala on 23 December. But when the number of protesters grew, the police had to escort them out safely. Bharath alleges that the women were kept in an undisclosed location by the Kottayam police on the pretext of safety.
He said Kanakadurga had not informed her family about her pilgrimage and has still not returned.
But his version differs from what Kanakadurga and the cops have to say.
What Kanakadurga’s Brother Had to Say
Kanakadurga is a native of Anagadippuram in Malappuram. Her brother Bharathbhushan said that she had left on 23 December saying she had official work in Thiruvanthapuram. Only when she reached Sabarimala, did the family get to know her plan. However, since a number of people were obstructing their way, the attempt went in vain. Following this, the police took her to Kottayam Medical College and then moved her to a secure location for safety.
“I have proof to show the agenda of CPI(M) and police which I shall submit to the court when the need arises. I have phone records of talking with Harishankar, Kottayam SP,” Bharath said.
“The police assured they will send Kanakadurga back home safe. She has not come home yet.”Bharathbushan, Brother of Kanakadurga
Speaking about how Kanakadurga and Bindu became the first pilgrims to worship at Sabarimala on 2 January, he said that there was a complete plan in place.
“Kanakadurga and the other woman didn’t climb the 18 steps. They were brought in an ambulance and they entered the shrine through the VIP entrance,” he said. He added that she hadn’t even taken the vrat, that one needs to, before going on a pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
Confirming rumours, Bharath said, ‘My entire family including Kanakadurga are CPI (M) workers and supporters. But the rest of the family doesn’t stand by this agenda of the party. We are a family that respects age-old traditions so we don’t support the entry of women into Sabarimala.’
He claims they haven’t received any threats and have no whereabouts of his sister.
“Didn’t she think of her family at least once? Didn’t she think of her husband and her children? Couldn’t she at least tell her plan to her sick ageing mother?”Bharathbhushan, Brother of Kanakadurga
What the Police Had to Say
We spoke to Hari Shankar, Kottayam district police chief, to verify the claims made by Bharath.
The IPS officer claimed that the first time the women had gone to Sabarimala, they were attacked by a mob. When they were injured, they were admitted at Kottayam Medical College.
“On the way to the college, a few BJP party workers were throwing stones at the ambulance. There was a threat to their life so since Kottayam is my district I was giving them protection as long as they were there,” he said.
He said that while Kanakadurga was under his security, her family members had contacted him.
“They wanted to speak to the lady and wanted to counsel her. So I asked if she was willing to speak to her family, to which she said she didn’t want to. So I communicated that to the family. I said we can’t forcefully make you speak to her because she is not willing and has a right to turn them down,” he said.
But contrary to Bharath’s claims that the police were holding them up at a secret location, Harishankar said that the women left Kottayam on 25 December but he wasn’t sure if they headed home or elsewhere. “I handed them over to the police in the neighbouring district of Ernakulam, who escorted them from the border,” he said.
When asked if he had ensured a safe pilgrimage for her at Sabarimala on 23 December, the officer brushed it off saying he wasn’t part of it.
What Did Kanakadurga Have to Say
When The Quint spoke to Kanakadurga on 2 January, she said that after her first attempt failed, she was very keen to complete the pilgrimage. She said that she had reached Pamba river at midnight because there wouldn’t be many devotees then and it would be easy to ward off trouble.
She said no devotee caused any problems as she and Bindu entered the shrine. She said they peacefully worshipped Lord Ayyappa.
“There are problems only when people who have a rashtriya agenda come and try to create havoc. Devotees never cause trouble.”Kanakadurga
Contradicting her brother’s claims that the entire family were CPI(M) workers, Kanakadurga denied having any political affiliations.
Her brother claims her act of going to Sabarimala was absolutely wrong but Kanakadurga had a message,
“Women have desires, but most are scared to make them a reality, When society and her family don’t approve of her desires, she goes silent for their sake. I hope that, in the years to come, all women are able to casually visit (Sabarimala) with all other devotees and offer prayers.”
(The Quint has reached out to Kanakadurga for her comment on her brother’s claims. This story will be updated as and when we receive a response.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)