Overview

• Pandalam Police registered a case against Saanthananda Maharshi of the Chenkottukonam-based Sree Rama Dasa Mission.
• Complaints by several individuals, including lawyer and Congress activist Anoop V R, alleged the speech hurt devotees and risked communal conflict.
• The monk allegedly described Vavar as a “Muslim extremist,” and, as reported by India Today, said Vavar was a “terrorist” who should not be prayed to.
• Police said the case was filed under BNS provisions that include promoting enmity on grounds of religion and race.
• No arrest or further legal action beyond registration of the case was reported in the latest coverage.
• Vavar is regarded in Sabarimala tradition as a Muslim companion of Lord Ayyappa, with many pilgrims stopping to pray at the Vavar Mosque in Erumeli.