All restrictions were lifted for Bakr-Eid, but Kerala police give Rs 17,500 fine to a Hindu family on their way to temple

In a shocking incident, Kerala police gave a fine of Rs 17,500 to a Hindu family who was on their way to a temple in Nedumkandam (Kerala). There were five members of a single-family and the police fined Rs 3,500 per head, accusing them of not following social distancing. The incident has drawn condemnation from all sides as the state govt had lifted all the restrictions for Muslims to celebrate Bakr-Eid, but Hindus can’t even visit their temples. 

Mohanan, who is a daily wage labourer at a rubber plantation, on his way to the temple, was stopped by Peruvananthanam police. He accused that the Peruvananthanam police had fined him inside the jurisdiction of “Peerumedu’ Police station. 

Even though,  Mohanan was informed that no case would be taken against the family, later he came to know that the case was passed on to the court and he was supposed to pay Rs 17,500. Earlier, Hindus were restricted from performing ‘Pitru Paksha Shraddha’ inside temple premises by the Dewaswam board. 

Kerala: Travancore Dewaswam Board declines permission for 'Pitru Paksha Shraddha’ inside temple premises

Due to the prevailing COVID condition in Kerala, the Travancore Dewaswam Board has decided not to permit 'Pitru Paksha Shraddha’ inside the temple premises. The previous year also the Dewaswam board had declined permission. The board observed that it is impossible to put in place COVID protocol if devotees are allowed to perform 'Pitru Paksha Shraddha’.

Travancore Dewaswam Board has requested devotees to observe 'Pitru Paksha Shraddha’ inside their homes this time.
Now, only 15 devotees are allowed inside temples and the number can go up to 40 on special occasions.