Pathanamthitta: The Supreme Court verdict on September 28 allowing the entry of women of all age groups into Kerala’s Sabarimala temple had made the famous shrine a battlefield.

Kerala Police had to ensure total protection on Sabarimala temple’s premises.  Inspector General of Police (IGP) S Sreejith is responsible for providing security for women at Sabarimala following the historic verdict by the apex court.

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Many women had reached Sannidhanam from Pampa under police protection, led by Sreejith in the past two days. His timely intervention helped to avoid many clashes at the temple and nearby places.

Now, a photograph of Sreejith has gone viral in which he can be seen in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Sabarimala with teary eyes. Sreejith had Ayyappa darshan at the temple on Monday morning.

 Earlier, he had told people at the temple that he is also a devotee of Lord Ayyappa like them and he does not wish to go forward by crushing devotees. However, the law should be implemented according to the Supreme Court verdict. So it is my duty to protect civilians rights as well, he said.

Woman activist Rehna Fathima and Mojo TV reporter Kavitha Jakkal had reached Sabarimala on Saturday and they were brought to Nadappanthal by the police team led by Sreejith. However, they returned following the protest of devotees.