Two Kerala women of menstruating age who were reportedly less than a kilometre from reaching Sabarimala were forced to return to Pamba base camp in the thick of massive protests by Lord Ayappa devotees. This incident took place a day after a group of 6 women were forced to return without offering prayers at the temple because of the violent protests. Bindu and Kanakadurga, who are residents of Kozhikode and Malappuram respectively, began their trek with a police escort but were stopped soon after they reached 'Marakootam' which is about a kilometer from the 'Sannidhanam'.
“We are here to seek ‘darshan’ (offer prayers) of Lord Ayyappa. The Supreme Court order must be enforced and hope, police will provide us security”, Bindu was quoted as saying.