Did not give VIP privileges to actor Dileep at Sabarimala: Police to Kerala High Court

The Kerala police has denied extending any special treatment to cine actor Dileep during his December 5 visit to the Sabarimala temple which had recently drawn the attention of the Kerala High Court on concerns that 'VIP treatment' given to him had obstructed other devotees [Suo Motu State of Kerala & ors]..The High Court had earlier criticised the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) for facilitating such 'VIP darshan.'In a statement dated December 8, the Kerala police has now denied having any part in the incident. The statement signed by P Bijoy (IPS), a special officer at Sabarimala, maintains that the State police did not provide any extra assistance to the film actor, either from Pamba or any other places at the Sannidhanam. "Police had no advance information regarding the visit of Cine Actor Dileep and we have not provided any special consideration to him," it said..The statement added that it was one of the Devaswom guards who escorted Dileep to the administrative office from where he was taken to the Sopanam (sacred steps leading to the temple shrine) by Devaswom officials. The statement notes that there is CCTV footage to indicate that Dileep was accompanied by two Devaswom guards when he got front row access during the Harivarasanam (recital of a sacred hymn)..The special officer further submitted that stricter measures have now been implemented to avoid repetition of such incidents."The Inspector of Police Sopanam Division has been made responsible to ensure that no existing procedure for darshan is infringed," the statement said. It was also stated that the Travancore Devaswom Board’s vigilance wing has conducted a separate inquiry into the incident and filed a report with the board..Dileep's visit December 5 visit to Sabarimala was discussed a day later at the High Court after reports emerged that 'VIP' treatment given to the film actor had inconvenienced other pilgrims at the shrine. On December 6, a Division Bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and Muralee Krishna S directed the TDB to submit CCTV footage of the actor's visit and sought detailed reports from relevant officers to clarify the allegations.At the time, the Court also warned the TDB that it would consider whether contempt proceedings should be initiated against individuals who obstruct the worship of pilgrims due to VIP treatment..The incident in focus occurred during Harivarasanam, when Dileep and his companions occupied the front row near the Sopanam, disrupting the flow of devotees, including children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. According to the Kerala police's statement to the Court, CCTV visuals indicate that Dileep arrived along with an Administrative Officer and an Assistant Executive Officer, about ten minutes before the closing of the recital of Harivarasanam (a hymn). It added that the actor was allowed into the first row by two Devaswom guards. "When Harivarasanam started, Devaswom guards Biju Bose and Shine T Raj, who were on duty there, allowed Dileep and his companions into the first row, which is manned exclusively by the Devaswom Guards from the direction opposite to the flow of pilgrims and gave them an opportunity to witness the entire Harivarasanam,” the statement said.