TDB orders 'preliminary enquiry' into Jayamala incident

Kochi, July 3 (UNI) The Travancore Devaswom Board today informed the Kerala High Court that it has instructed the vigilance and security SP of the Board to conduct a preliminary enquiry into the disclosure by Kannada film actress Jayamala that she had entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Sabarimala temple and touched idol of Lord Ayyappa.

The Board will discuss the report on July seven and decide the type of investigation considering the seriousness of the issue.

In a statement filed before the Court, the Devaswom Board explained that a 'devaprasnam' was held at Sabarimala from June 16, based on the letter from Thantri Kantararu Mohanararu that 'devaprasnam' was inevitable.

On the conclusion of the 'devaprasnam', the Board members took an oath in front of the Sreekovil that ''pariharakarmas' suggested in the '''prasnacharthu' will be done without fail.

Since this is an assurance given by the Board members to Lord Ayyappa, the Board is bound to do it, as otherwise it may affect the members.

The Board filed this statement on a writ petition filed by K Jayakumar of Etakkattuvayal, seeking an ''appropriate enquiry'' into the controversy relating to Sabarimala following the disclosure of Jayamala.

Chief Justice V K Bali and Justice M Ramachandran adjourned the petition to tomorrow for further consideration.

UNI XR ARC AD/VS1849