Thiruparankundram flare-up: BJP's H Raja clashes with cops over hilltop access

Key Highlights

• The BJP has alleged that members of the Muslim community hoisted a ceremonial flag on the tree during their annual festival last year, calling it an encroachment on what they say is the temple’s sthala vriksham (sacred tree). advertisement Earlier, a case was registered on January 10 following a complaint by the temple management alleging trespass and unauthorised hoisting of a flag on the tree. On January 12, police prevented Raja, who is also the BJP’s Tamil Nadu coordination committee convenor, from reaching the spot, saying it could trigger tensions between religious groups. Police stopped Raja and his supporters from climbing further, citing law and order concerns.
• What followed was a heated argument that lasted for over two hours, during which a scuffle broke out as police tried to block their movement.
• Some BJP workers were also seen climbing over rocks in an attempt to reach the location. After prolonged negotiations, the police allowed Raja and one other person to proceed.
• Raja later offered prayers at the Kallathi maram, a fig tree considered sacred by Hindus, and came back down.
• Soon after, he was briefly detained at a police outpost on the hillside. Speaking to reporters, Raja said that a court order passed on December 1 had permitted the lighting of the Deepam at the disputed spot.