CPI-M demands action against Devaswom officials

CPI-M leader K Radhakrishnan today brought to the attention of the House the plight of a Dalit percussion artiste, who was reportedly banned from performing within the precincts of the famous Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor.
Through a submission, Radhakrishnan, a former Speaker, wanted the House to pass a resolution condemning the incident and sought action against Devaswom officials responsible.
He said protests over the incident were growing in various sections of society and termed as 'unfortunate' the silence over the issue on the part of the government.
Replying to the submission, Devaswom Minister V S Shivakumar said he had sought a report from Guruvayur Devaswom as soon as the incident was reported in the media.

Quoting from the Devaswom report, he said the incident had not occurred in connection with festival in Krishna temple.
"The Devaswom has decided to seek the service of a retired Judge to probe the matter. After getting the probe report government also will act," he said.

The report said Devaswom employees had nothing to do with the incident as it allegedly happened at a festival organised at a sub-temple in the precincts of Guruvayur main temple complex. It was organised by some local people, he said.
As per media reports, a man Kalloor Babu (40) an 'elathalam' artist - one of five instruments in panchavadyam - was asked to go out of the temple complex as he was a Dalit.

The incident occurred on January 5.