Devaswom Vigilance Investigation Report: Film Shooting Took Place at Sannidhanam in Violation of Ban
Thiruvananthapuram: A Devaswom Vigilance SP’s investigation report has found that a film shoot was carried out at the Sabarimala Sannidhanam in violation of restrictions. A case had already been registered earlier against director Anuraj Manohar. The violation was confirmed through an inquiry conducted by the Devaswom Vigilance wing. The investigation report has been submitted to the Devaswom Board President.
According to the report, filming took place over multiple days at Pamba and nearby locations, and shooting was conducted at Hilltop on the day of Makaravilakku.
The director had earlier claimed that no shooting took place at the Sannidhanam. He had previously submitted an application to Devaswom Board President K. Jayakumar seeking permission to film a movie centered on Pamba, including scenes during the Makaravilakku period, but the request was rejected citing the High Court’s ban on film shooting at Sabarimala. Following the rejection, Anuraj Manohar approached the ADGP in charge of Sannidhanam security and stated that permission was granted to shoot at Pamba. After a complaint was received regarding the filming, the Devaswom Board President directed Devaswom Vigilance SP Sunilkumar to conduct an inquiry and submit a report. However, the vigilance report does not mention any police permission having been granted for the shoot.
The report, along with video evidence of the filming, was submitted to the Devaswom Board President by Devaswom Vigilance SP Sunilkumar. Regarding further action, Board President K. Jayakumar has sought legal advice from the Devaswom Board’s legal department and directed the legal cell to submit a report detailing the violations committed. Further action by the Board will be taken after receiving legal opinion.