Police in Madurai have registered cases against several women protesters who had gathered at Thirupparankundram demanding the release of senior BJP leader H. Raja following his detention during the Kallathi tree protest. The women, who blocked a police vehicle and staged a sit-in outside the temple area, were booked under multiple sections even as tensions continued over the disputed flag on the sacred sthala vruksham of the Kasi Viswanathar temple.
This came after the police registered cases against senior BJP leader H Raja, Madurai West district BJP president Sivalingam, and several party workers in connection with a protest at Thirupparankundram hill over the flag hoisted on the Kallathi tree, the sacred sthala vruksham of the Thirupparankundram temple.
What Happened
According to reports, H Raja, Sivalingam and more than 15 BJP functionaries went to the Kasi Viswanathar temple on Thirupparankundram hill on Monday to offer prayers. While proceeding from the Nellithoppu area towards the dargah side of the hill, they objected to the flag that had been hoisted on the Kallathi tree during the Sandhanakoodu festival, despite a court order directing that it be removed.
BJP leaders attempted to move towards the Kallathi tree to inspect it and demand the immediate removal of the flag. This led to a protest that continued for more than three hours, resulting in a tense standoff between BJP workers and the police.
Following this, Madurai City South Deputy Commissioner of Police Inigo Diviyan took H Raja and Sivalingam up the hill to view the Kallathi tree. After they were brought back down, police detained them.
Women Stage Protest
Women residents from the Palaniandavar Temple Street area of Thirupparankundram staged a protest demanding the release of H Raja and the BJP leaders. They also blocked a police vehicle as part of their protest.
Police later registered cases against H Raja, Sivalingam, and 12 BJP workers under three sections for climbing the hill, staging a protest, and attempting to enter the Kallathi tree area without permission.
In addition, cases have been registered against five women protesters by name and several others for blocking the police vehicle and demanding the release of the detained BJP leaders. Police said investigations are underway.
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