Women constables in Sabarimala row

Two women police constables, carrying out their duties, find themselves in the eye of a storm and being accused of violating Sabarimala tradition by climbing Neelimala, a ritual reserved only for men and permitted only for elderly women .


Constables Sheeja Beegum and Divya were reportedly acting on circle inspector Riyad Muhammed's directions to escort a team of elderly women on their way to Neelimala, but in the process shocked other
pilgrims who allegedly spotted them on the Neelimala stretch early Monday morning.


“It is alleged the duo accompanied agriculture minister K. P. Mohanan and a team of 35 , including eight elderly women and the minister's sisters from to Pamba to Neelimala. Our preliminary inquiry shows the two did climb Neelimala,” ADGP P. Chandrashekeran told the Deccan Chronicle, however, adding that Valsan, SP, Pamba Police Controller had been asked to submit a detailed report on the issue and video clippings were being verified to clear the air.


The minister has meanwhile maintained that the women civil police officers accompanied the team only a short distance from Pamba.