Kollam: A clash during a temple festival at Elampalloor in Kollam on Saturday night left several people injured, with Kundara police registering a case against four people. Police launched a probe based on a complaint filed by Rahul, 35, a local who is among the injured.The incident occurred at Sree Durga Bhadra Bhagavathi Temple near Njaliyodu. Police said Rahul’s parents, Anitha and Radhakrishnan, were among those injured in the attack. Sarath, Rahul’s brother-in-law, and Joji, a local, also sustained injuries. Police said several others suffered minor injuries in the chaos. The accused has been identified as Ajo (first accused), Harijith (second), Ashokan (third) and Aagi (fourth), all natives of Elampalloor. Police said the attack was triggered by a personal grievance of Ajo, who blamed the temple for his brother’s death in a road accident around two-and-a-half months ago. Investigators said Ajo had demanded that the annual festival at the temple be cancelled this year, claiming the shrine was inauspicious. However, the temple committee rejected the request and went ahead with the celebrations, leading to simmering tension in the locality. “The accused trespassed into the temple premises armed with swords and sticks and threatened that the festival would not be allowed to proceed,” police said. Witnesses told police that the first accused brandished a sword and created panic among devotees, following which the group allegedly attacked those present. The accused allegedly vandalised sound systems and other equipment at the venue, causing losses estimated at Rs 4 lakh. A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and Section 27 of the Arms Act. Further action is expected as the probe progresses, police said.
