"Fake News To Create Riots," Police Clarifies That Ayyappa Devotee Did Not Die In Action By Authorities

A body of an Ayyappa devotee found has kicked up a massive storm. 60-year-old Sivadasan’s body was found around the same time when the altercation between devotees and police took place over the entry of women to the Sabarimala temple. BJP alleged that Sivadasan was killed as a result of brutalities inflicted upon him by the police. BJP had even called for a 12-hour dawn to dusk strike in Pathanamthitta district. However, Kerala police have clarified that the man was not killed in police action.

60-yr-old went missing

As reported by The Week, Sivadasan was an ardent devotee of Lord Ayyappa and frequented the temple almost every month. As per his relatives, he left for the Sabarimala on October 18. On October 19, he contacted his family to inform them that he visited the shrine. This was reportedly the last time his family heard from him. When Sivadasan failed to reach home back, the family filed a complaint on October 21 with the police stations of Pamba, Nilakkal and Perunad Police station. On October 25, they filed a complaint with Pandalam police station.

Later on November 1, Sivadasan’s body was found in a forest area in Laha, Pathanamthitta district. Soon after the body was found, a false narrative started floating on how he was killed during the police action. Notably, the police had acted against the protestors on October 16 and 17, the protestors were revolting against the entry of women in the shrine. Hindu outfits alleged that the 60-year-old resident of Sarath Bhavan, Mulambuzha went missing around the same time. However, the complaint filed by Sivadasan’s family revealed that he left for the shrine only two days later, on October 18, as reported by Manorama.

Police refute allegations

In a Facebook post, the Kerala police said that he did not die during the police action. Further substantiating their statements, the police said that his body was found about 16 km away from Nilakkal where the cane charging had actually taken place. Moreover, Sivadasan’s two-wheeler was also found near his body, indicating that he was not part of the angry mob. The post said, “Those who circulate fake news are trying to create riots in society. The police will take legal actions against those who spread fake news through social media.”

Fake image of a devotee

Last week an image was widely circulated. The image showed a devotee with Lord Ayyappa’s idol and police stepping on his chest, marking the “brutality of Kerala police” towards Ayyappa devotees. Rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra also shared the image, with a caption, “In the eyes of this devotee, There is No Fear of brutality, There is No Fear of Oppression.”

In the eyes of this devotee

There is No Fear of brutality
There is No fear of oppression

This is the Power of Faith#Sabarimala #Ayyappa pic.twitter.com/F1MNrRVAvw

— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) November 2, 2018

As reported by Boomlive this image turned out to be part of a photo shoot. The person in the photo is Rajesh Kurup, who is a staunch Ayyappa devotee.

Today's fake news by Sangh Parivar is out.

A Malayali Sanghi named Rajesh Kurup (രാജേഷ് കുറുപ്പ് ശ്രീകല്യാണി) did a photoshoot few days ago with an Ayyappan Idol. Photo shows him getting attacked.

Now North Indian Sanghis including rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra are peddling lies. pic.twitter.com/1VEgvQxhUH

— Advaid (@Advaidism) November 3, 2018

Creating or sharing fake news is never justified. We have a responsibility to verify everything that we post on the internet. To ensure that our national debate is healthy and well-informed, each and every one of us has a responsibility of treating what we read with a pinch of salt, a spoonful of doubt, and a flood of research.

Also Read: Sabarimala Shrine Opens Amid Violence; Kerala CM Says Rituals Must Change With Time