Kannur (Kerala): Amidst huge drama including an immolation bid, the Malabar Devasom Board took control of Mattanur Mahadeva Temple on Wednesday. Devaswom Board officials had to break open the lock of the temple to gain entry.
Dramatic scenes unfolded when the Devaswom Board officials led by executive officer P Sreekumar came to the temple to take over the administration. Devaswom Board officials told the protesters that the temple is being taken over based on an order from the Kerala High Court. Protestors, however, were not ready to listen and tried to block the Board officials from entering the temple.
Meanwhile one of the protestors poured petrol on him in an effort to set himself ablaze. Police intervened on time and snatched the bottle from the protestor. The present temple administrators had locked the office and counters and the Board officials were forced to break open the locks.
The protesters alleged that the case is now under consideration of the Supreme Court and the taking over has been done without giving them prior notice.
The Malabar Devaswom Board has been trying to take over the Mattannur Mahadeva Temple for the last 10 years. The Board started the move after receiving several complaints against the temple administration in 2007. The temple administration then approached the Devaswom Commissioner and Kerala High Court against taking over the move.
The High Court, however, dismissed the claims of the administration and ordered the Board to take over the temple.
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