An unsettling incident has unfolded in Erumeli, a key stop for Sabarimala pilgrims, where a local tea shop was found to have been using water from a toilet tap for its operations. The Revenue Vigilance team, in collaboration with the Health Department, swiftly responded upon discovering a hose connected from the open toilet complex to the tea stall after a complaint was made by Ayyappa Seva Sangh.
Following this revelation, the health department promptly closed down the shop owned allegedly by Abdul Shehim, identified as the DYFI Erumeli Regional Secretary near the Devaswom Board parking lot catering to Sabarimala pilgrims. A case has been registered and a stop memo has been issued against the owner, and police were deployed to the scene.
The Revenue Vigilance team, led by Erumeli Revenue Special Squad Charge Officer Deputy Tehsildar Biju G. Nair, conducted an inspection. Legal Metrology Inspector E.G. Sadanandan, Health Inspectors K. Raju, Shaji Karukatra, Civil Supplies Rationing Inspectors Lakshminath, V.R. Smitha, Junior Health Inspectors S. Santosh, L. Jose, and others were actively involved in the raid.
Officials captured footage that revealed a hose connected from the tap near the open toilet to the nearby tea stall. When authorities arrived at the shop for verification, the owner claimed that the water was solely used for washing dishes and not for cooking. However, deeming it a serious offence to pump sewage into the toilet complex’s tank and collect water from a dirty toilet, the Revenue Vigilance Squad called the police.
Both the Revenue Vigilance Squad and the Health Department have registered a case against the shop owner. The inspection is set to continue in the coming days. Authorities have indicated that action will also be taken against the toilet contractor who allowed the hose from the toilet tap.
Speaking to reporters, member of the Ayyappa Seva Sangh said, “This stall is permitted by the Travancore Devaswom Board. Tis stall offers coffee, cool drinks etc. to the public. The shop employees were found to be using water from the toilet utilising a hose to allow water flow to the shop. Since 15th (November) this is happening. The Ayyappa Bhaktas who are observing a strict penance are supposed to be served clean water.”
Attention Hindu Brothers 🚨🚨
There's a possibility that this nefarious act might happen to you in Kerala!
This bad incident took place in Erumeli, Kottayam, Kerala!!
Erumeli is mostly known as the main path to Sabarimala, a special place for Hindu pilgrims. It’s a major stop… pic.twitter.com/n6UETjgBX4
— महारथी-മഹാരഥി (@MahaRathii) November 29, 2023
Reports suggested a strong stench in the vicinity of the tea shop where water from the toilet tap was allegedly used. During the raid, officials worked near the Devaswom Board parking area near the washroom, covering their noses. BJP district committee member K.R. strongly protested the incident, and additional workers arrived under the leadership of Soji.
The Revenue Vigilance team received a complaint about the use of wastewater from the toilet tap in the tea shop, supported by evidence in the form of footage showing water being collected from the tap into the tank. Based on this complaint, the Revenue Vigilance Squad conducted a thorough inspection.
It is noteworthy that the incident took place during the peak season for the Sabarimala temple. The 41-day pilgrimage, known as the mandala season, scheduled to commence in December and January, is all set to begin.
In another development, the Revenue Vigilance Squad has taken action against a hotel owner for overcharging customers and threatening pilgrims who questioned the pricing. A fine of Rs 5000 was imposed on the hotel owner, identified as Mavungkal Shahjahan (58) of Aryas Bhavan Hotel Erumeli. A Thiruvananthapuram resident, alleged that pilgrims from Thrissur were charged more than what was displayed on the board. When a consumer named Sreejith filed a complaint with revenue officials, it led to the inspection and subsequent fine.
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