India
In the photo, Rehana Fathima was seen squatting awkwardly and mildly exposing her naked legs. She has been arrested under IPC Section 295 A.
Thiruvananthapuram: Pathanamthitta town police have arrested Rehana Fathima Pyarijaan Sulaiman, the activist who tried to enter the Sabarimala Temple on October 19 after the Supreme Court verdict. A team led by Pathanamthitta circle inspector on Tuesday noon arrested Fathima from Kochi for hurting the religious sentiments of Ayyappa devotees by posting a photo of her dressed up as an Ayyappa devotee in the most distasteful manner.
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Rehana Fathima, a resident of Kochi, made headlines earlier this year when she posted photos in which she is shown covering her breasts with watermelons in protest against a Kozhikode professor who advised women students to cover her "watermelon-like breasts" as they attract men The initiative was called ‘Maaru thurakkal samaram’ (protest to bare the breasts). She has also been a part of the Kiss of Love campaign against moral policing.
Fathima had also posted a picture of her wearing the 'mala' (traditional chain worn with the Ayyappa dollar by devotees) on Facebook with a single word caption "Philosophy". She was captured exposing her naked legs while wearing the devotee's attire. She even created a ruckus by attempting to enter the shrine following the Supreme Court verdict.
Fathima has been arrested under IPC 295 A. She had approached the high court for anticipatory bail but was denied. After that, she was getting ready to move the Supreme Court, when the arrest happened.
Devaswom Board chief A Padmakumar lodged a complaint with the circle inspector regarding Fathima’s entry at Sabarimala on October 19. Padmakumar said that she tried to destroy Sabarimala’s tradition and culture.
BJP leader Radhakrishna Menon had also complained against Fathima for posting her photo in the wake of the Supreme Court order allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple. The case was filed on October 20.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has also taken action against Fathima, who created trouble by heading to Sabarimala temple. Recently, the Kerala Muslim Jamaath Council expelled Fathima from their community for entering the sacred shrine with anti-social intention, which led to creating a hassle for the Hindu community.
A police team led by IG Sreejith had ensured tight security to these women. However, she could not enter the Sabarimala temple as several protesters blocked her at Nadappanthal near the shrine.
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