Kerala Devaswom Minister K. Radhakrishnan on Saturday reiterated that no black magic rituals were performed in or near a temple in the state as claimed by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Radhakrishnan added as per preliminary reports, no such incidents were reported anywhere in the state.
"We investigated the claim and also contacted the Malabar Devaswom Board. The preliminary report we got states that nothing like that has happened in or near the temple. The Devaswom Board also confirmed it," PTI reported quoting the minister. The minister added it needs to checked why the Karnataka leader made such claims.
Radhakrishnan added following Shivakumar’s claims, besides Rajarajeshwari temple, they are investigating whether anything in this manner was happening in other parts of Kerala. However, according to initial reports, such an incident has not occurred in the state, the minister said. He added animal sacrifices were prohibited by law since 1968 and therefore, it was unlikely that it took place in Kerala.
Shivakumar on Thursday claimed politicians from Karnataka were conducting a black magic ritual against him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Kerala to topple the state government. He alleged, “Aghoris were consulted and pujas are being performed at a place near Rajarajeshwari temple in Kerala for Shatru Samhara (destruction of enemies). For this yaga 'Pancha Bali' (five kinds of sacrifice) is being given - 21 goats, three buffaloes, 21 black sheeps and five pigs. It is going on.”
The managing committee of the temple in question had on Friday refuted Shivakumar's allegations and termed his claims as 100 per cent false. The Special Branch has also given a report to the State Police Chief stating there is no evidence of any animal sacrifice taking place near a temple in Kerala as claimed by Shivakumar.
-with inputs from PTI.
