Four Arrested for Public Drinking and Harassment at Koodalmanikyam Temple Festival

Police in Thrissur, Kerala, have arrested four men for publicly consuming alcohol and causing a disturbance during the annual Koodalmanikyam Temple festival. The accused, identified as Pradeesh, Anoop, Lalu Mohan, and Arun, all residents of Padiyur village, were detained following an incident on May 6 near the temple's western entrance. Authorities reported that the group was openly drinking liquor in violation of temple customs. When confronted by a female devotee, the men allegedly acted in a derogatory manner towards her, leading to charges of outraging the modesty of a woman. Additional charges include public intoxication and deliberate provocation intended to incite unrest. The arrests were facilitated by viral social media videos of the incident, which prompted a swift police investigation. Notably, one of the accused, Anoop, has a prior criminal record involving rash driving that caused grievous injury. The case highlights strict enforcement of public order and respect for religious sanctity during major cultural festivals in the region.