THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The police continued to crack the whip on Friday by arresting 600 more people for allegedly stoking violence in Sabarimala and other places in protest against the Supreme Court verdict allowing women of all ages to enter the temple. With the latest arrests, the number of people incarcerated over the past two days has crossed 2,060.
The number of cases registered in connection with the violence has increased from 440 on Thursday to 452 on Friday. Police sources said around 500 people have been booked for non-bailable offences, while around 90 have been sent to remand.
State police chief Loknath Behera said several others who were part of the violence will be apprehended soon. “We have identified several others and they will be arrested. We will do what lawfully must be done,” he said.
Though Behera said more arrests are likely, the High Court observation on arbitrary arrests might prove a hurdle. The HC on Friday warned the police to arrest only those who were involved in the violence. Police sources said further action will be taken with utmost discretion.
Meanwhile, around 1,500 people who were arrested have managed to obtain bail, while the rest of them who are accused of vandalising public property will have to shell out a fortune to walk out of captivity.
The violence in Nilakkal and nearby places were marked by sporadic attacks on KSRTC buses and police vehicles. As per the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the accused need to deposit huge amounts before the court as compensation in order to obtain bail.
Behera said a police committee has been formed and its suggestions will be taken on how to provide security to female pilgrims during the Mandala-Makaravilakku season. “We will discuss it with the government. Discussions are on and a decision will be taken soon,” he said.