Notwithstanding the “advice” given by the police to wear sari inside ‘girbh griha’ of the temple, the woman activist entered the inner sanctum in salwar kameez though some priests and devotees tried to block her way.
Bhoomata Ranragini Brigade leader Trupti Desai last night sustained serious injuries after she was stopped by the local women while entering the Maha Laxmi temple.
According to reports, the scuffle started between Desai and the local women after the activist defied the “dress code” prescribed by police and priests. Notwithstanding the “advice” given by the police to wear sari inside ‘girbh griha’ of the temple, the woman activist entered the inner sanctum in salwar kameez though some priests and devotees tried to block her way.
Desai who was admitted to hospital said, “There were people who came to attack us, even the priest was abusing us. The attackers said dont let Trupti Desai get out alive. Doctor said I could’ve got paralysis attack.”
Dr Arjun Adnaik who was treating her said, “Trupti Desai had low water intake, low BP and sugar level. Now she is conscious & recovering.”
However, a preist had a different version to say. “I wanted to tell Trupti Desai about SC judgement that the act she is talking of is about entry into the temple,” Mahalakshmi Temple preist said.
“The act does not permit entry in inner sanctum of temple. She interpreted the act wrongly.” the preist added.
She and other activists had organised the ‘Vijay’ rally on Wednesday afternoon to mark “victory” for the cause of women who were recently allowed to enter the inner sanctum of the temple in a major departure from the long-standing tradition.
Desai and her associates were stopped in Tararani Chowk by police where they had gathered to organise the procession.
The atmosphere around the temple was tense and shops downed shutters as activists of Shiv Sena and other organisations gathered in the area after Desai insisted to take darshan of the deity, clad in salwar kameez instead of sari, the formal dress code suggested by police and priests.
Deputy SP Bharatkumar Rane said police tried to convince Desai against going in procession but she did not budge. She was taken into preventive custody for maintaining law and order, he said.
