In a disturbing case of religious hate crime, Islamic fundamentalists allegedly targeted the Parameshwari Guru Muthappan Temple in Thachambara Chooriyod, Mannarkkad, Palakkad, at midnight on August 9. The attackers attempted to remove the idol, destroyed the temple door, flex boards, and water pumps fixed to the well. They also pelted stones at the house of the differently abled (divyaang) Scheduled Caste poojari, Bineeshkumar, while hurling casteist and abusive remarks.
Temple committee office-bearers accused Islamic extremists of orchestrating the attack. Police have arrested two Chooriyod natives, Hamza and Sajeer, charging them with offences against the temple, the SC community, and a divyaang. The accused have been remanded, but suspicions of a larger conspiracy remain.
Hindu Aikyavedi chief patron Sasikala Teacher alleged that a local panchayat ward member is involved and demanded the arrest of every person behind the attack.
Janam TV reporter Arun Alathoor told Organiser that the entire media, barring Janam TV, has chosen to ignore the hate crime. While Hamza and Sajeer have been arrested, the conspiracy angle is untouched. He questioned whether the silence is because the target was a Hindu temple and further asked what the reaction would have been if the same attack had been on a church or mosque.
BJP Palakkad East District President Prashanth Sivan, along with several BJP leaders, visited the temple and the poojari. Sivan condemned the anti-Hindu hate crime and demanded a thorough investigation into both the attack and the conspiracy, ensuring all culprits are brought to justice.
Hindu leaders also alleged that the land mafia may have colluded with religious extremists in this attack. They warned that if swift and strong action is not taken, they will launch widespread protests.
Temple committee members reiterated that arresting two individuals is not enough. They insisted on a full-scale investigation to identify all those involved, including the suspected local panchayat ward member.
The Hindu Aikyavedi and Kerala Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti have declared their intent to intensify protests until justice is served, calling this attack not only a crime against Hindus but an assault on the sanctity of religious freedom.
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