Back from hospital, Kanakadurga finds her house locked

Kanakadurga, who was hospitalised after allegedly being beaten up by her mother-in-law for visiting Sabarimala, went home and found her house locked, police said.

A police official said the 44-year-old has filed a petition in a court here under the domestic violence act, saying she has the right to stay in her husband's home.

One of the two women who shattered a glass ceiling by entering the Sabarimala shrine. Kanakadurga had to take shelter in a One Stop centre, a government facility that houses victims of violence in private and public spaces.

Kanakadurga's husband and family members had shifted to a rented building, the police said.

The Supreme Court had in a historic verdict last year lifted a centuries-old ban and allowed women of all age groups to offer prayers at the Sabarimala shrine. Kanakdurga, an employee of the civil supplies department, had scripted history along with Bindu, a college lecturer, on January 2 by offering prayers at the Ayyappa temple, where people have been protesting the entry of women of childbearing age. 

Perinthalamanna circle inspector T.S. Binu said Kanakadurga was being provided round-the-clock security as directed by the apex court.

At least 10 police personnel have been posted for her security. CCTV surveillance has also been provided at the shelter home.