RAMANATHAPURAM:The Erwadi dargah committee has decided to issue identity cards to visitors who stay for over three days in and around the dargah of Kuthbu Sulthan Syed Ibrahim Bhadhusha Oliyullah, in order to ensure the bona fide of visitors coming here from all parts of the country.
The dargah, located 27 km from Ramanathapuram town, draws huge crowds every day, including those of other faiths.
People are seen taking mentally-challenged relatives to the dargah, hoping for a cure. Some stay in rented houses in order to take their relatives to the dargah every day.
However, with the possibility of anti-social elements entering the area as devotees and staying at rented houses, as in the case of a couple who abducted and beheaded a one-and-a half-year-old boy at a lodge in Eral near Thoothukudi recently, the dargah committee has decided to screen visitors. Visitors will now have to furnish their names, permanent address and a photocopy of their ration card or voter’s ID. After verification, the committee will issue identity cards. Initially, the committee will distribute IDs to 140 families.
Abdul Samath, an alimsha of the dargah said the committee should increase the number of watchmen to monitor the visitors. However, the ID card system would help identify strangers, he said.