Temple Robberies and Vandalism: Malappuram Witnesses an Alarming and Escalating Spate

Malappuram: There is an alarming rise in temple robberies, especially in the North Kerala district of Malappuram. The district has the distinction of having the largest number of temples in Kerala and with the year 2015 still remaining fresh as ever, 25 temples have been burgled. It has also been reported that a special lobby works in executing these robberies and thereafter in destroying any shred of evidence.

Many temples stood rampaged by Tipu’s notoriously brutal ‘Armistice’, Malabar Rebellion and the dishonorable land reforms. Even though these temples withstood these perils of yore, they are now being sabotaged with ceaseless robberies. The robberies are said to have escalated with the recent pouring in of large number of devotees and visitors who plan resuscitation of these temples under the aegis of Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti and other Hindu organizations.

Apart from robberies, temples are being subject to numerous ravaging attacks. Temple land is being encroached into with the intent of destroying temples. The recent desecration of Sree Durgadevi temple is an example. Police too remain lax, showing least interest in furthering the case or bringing to book, the culprits.

The list of temples ransacked remain endless: Vazhangottu Mahadeva Temple, Mangada Koottil Temple, Keezhattoor Aattuthrikovil Temple, Kunnakavu Temple, Paangu Temple, Arikodu Saligrama Temple, Poomankulam Nalloor MahaVishnu Temple, Mancheri Melakam Kalikkavu Bhagavathy Temple, Karakkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Parammal Bhagavathy Temple, Chelambra Ellannumal Shiva Temple, Kakkad Tripuranthaka Temple, Parambath Kavu Bhagavathy Temple, Kozhatta Mahavishnu Temple are some of the temples which have borne the brunt of robberies. The stolen items include cash from hundi, cutting of sandalwood trees in temple premises etc.

Devotees have now started protesting against the state government’s slackened attitude of not providing temples with protection, in spite of revenue from temples being taken by state government.

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