The ashram of Swami Sandeepananda Giri, who supported women’s entry to Sabarimala, was set on fire in Kundamankadavu in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Saturday morning.
Swami Sandeepananda Giri has been appearing on media openly supporting women’s entry to Sabarimala.
Reacting to the attack, Sandeepananda Giri alleged that the entire responsibility for the incident was on BJP state president P S Sreedharan Pillai, Thazhamon Madom, the family of traditional head priests of Sabarimnala temple and Pandalam Royal family, also associated with the shrine.
DGP Loknath Behara said strong action would be taken to bring the accused to book. "We will not tolerate such incidents in the state," he said.
However, BJP district leadership has denied any role in the attack and demanded an "unbiased" probe into the incident.
The state had witnessed massive protests from devotees at various places, including Sabarimala, Nilakkal and Pamba, against permitting women of all ages to enter the shrine, where the deity is 'Naishtika Brahmachari' (perennial celibate), when the temple was opened for monthly poojas from October 17-22.
At least 12 women in the 'barred' age group (10-50) had tried to trek the hills to offer prayers but had to retreat following widespread protests.
(With inputs from agencies)