Temple attack: Committee cries foul over police probe

MALAPPURAM: The administrative committee of the Villwath Mahakshetram at Pookkottumpadam on Thursday urged the authorities to constitute a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the recent attack and desecration of its three idols. It alleged conspiracy and involvement of more people behind the incident, saying the police probe had heightened suspicion among believers and the public. “The ongoing probe and their moves are not in the right direction. Though the police had arrested a Thiruvananthapuram native, there are circumstantial clues for more people’s involvement. We suspect a well-planned conspiracy behind the desecration. A high-level probe by SIT can only reveal who were behind it,” M.K. Radhakrishnan, the temple administrative committee president, said at a press conference here.

The police had arrested Mohanakumar S.S., who was earlier introduced by the investigation team with several names. He had also confessed to another temple desecration in Vaniyambalam in the district and murder in Kilimanoor in Thiruvananthapuram. “Mystery still shrouds over the incident in Pookkottumpadam. One person alone can never enter into the temple and vandalise three idols placed at separate sanctum sanctorums inside the temple as they say," he said.

"The accused entered the temple by removing three lines of roof tiles which were found well placed in a basket outside the temple.” Police had said the lock of the Sreekovil was broken by a hammer which was found near the temple when the suspect was brought for collecting evidence. “But there is no impression of hammer on the lock which is cut into three pieces seemed to be using a cutter. There are contradictions in police versions. They have earlier said that the lock was broken by a stone," he said.