Alappuzha: The police has taken steps to stop the 'chooral muriyal' ritual scheduled to be conducted on children at the Chettikulangara temple at Mavelikara here as part of Kumbabharani festival on March 11. Based on a report carried by this paper on Wednesday, the special branch has submitted a report to the deputy superintendent of police (Intelligence) pointing out the violation of the ban orders issued by the High Court and the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KeSCPCR).
The special branch has collected the details about the organisers of the ritual, sponsors of the boys to be subjected to the regressive practice to appease the deity of the temple and the parents of the children. The police will serve notices on them asking them not to go ahead with the ritual.
Though the Travancore Devaswom Board and the police had issued notices on the organisers last year, the ritual was conducted on February 22 last. As per the High Court order, the police registered an FIR against the Sreedevi Vilasam Hindumatha Convention leaders. But the police have not taken any further steps in the matter.
Mr Anish V. Korah, DySP, Chengannur, said the accused had been questioned and a chargesheet was being prepared. It will be submitted to the court soon, he said.
