Police evict devotees using pressure pumps despite ban
However, several devotees gathered at the mandapam, bringing with them pressure pumps. Police personnel stationed at the site evicted those devotees and confiscated some of the equipment. The situation turned tense when devotees confronted the police, arguing that the ritual was part of their faith and was followed for generations. A mild scuffle broke out inside the mandapam, with devotees insisting on their right to perform the ritual in their own way.After brief negotiations, police allowed a limited number of devotees to conduct the ritual using traditional methods, while reiterating that the court order would be strictly enforced for everyone's safety. "The pressure pump ban is not against the sentiment of the devotees. It is a step to ensure crowd safety and avoid chaos, especially in packed enclosures like the Ramarayar Mandapam," a senior police officer said. City police commissioner J Loganathan, who was overseeing the security arrangements, warned of strict action against violators. "Only traditional methods like the use of aattuthol thopparai (leather pouches) are permitted for sprinkling water on the deity. The use of pressure pumps is strictly banned, and anyone defying this will face legal consequences," he said.
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