In Erumeli, a crucial stop for Sabarimala pilgrims, a disturbing incident unfolded as a local tea shop was found using water from a toilet tap for its operations. The Revenue Vigilance team, collaborating with the Health Department, promptly responded upon discovering a hose connected from the open toilet complex to the tea stall, prompted by a complaint from Ayyappa Seva Sangh, as reported in The Commune.
Upon this revelation, the health department, allegedly owned by Abdul Shehim, swiftly shut down the shop and is also the DYFI Erumeli Regional Secretary. The shop, located near the Devaswom Board parking lot catering to Sabarimala pilgrims, now faces legal action. A case has been registered, a stop memo issued against the owner, and police have been deployed to the scene.
Led by Erumeli Revenue Special Squad Charge Officer Deputy Tehsildar Biju G. Nair, the Revenue Vigilance team conducted a thorough inspection. Legal Metrology Inspector E.G. Sadanandan, Health Inspectors K. Raju and Shaji Karukatra, Civil Supplies Rationing Inspectors Lakshminath, V.R. Smitha, Junior Health Inspectors S. Santosh, L. Jose, and others actively participated in the raid.
Officials obtained footage revealing a hose connection from the tap near the open toilet to the adjacent tea stall. Upon arriving at the shop for verification, the owner asserted that the water was exclusively used for washing dishes and not for cooking. However, considering the gravity of pumping sewage into the toilet complex’s tank and collecting water from an unhygienic source, the Revenue Vigilance Squad alerted the police.
The Revenue Vigilance Squad and the Health Department have filed a case against the shop owner. The inspection is slated to continue in the upcoming days. Authorities have indicated that punitive measures will also be taken against the toilet contractor who permitted the connection from the toilet tap.
Addressing reporters, a member of the Ayyappa Seva Sangh stated, “This stall is authorised by the Travancore Devaswom Board. The stall offers coffee, cool drinks, etc., to the public. Shop employees were found utilising water from the toilet via a hose, enabling water flow to the shop. This has been happening since the 15th of November. Devotees observing strict penance are entitled to be served clean water.”
There were reports of a pungent odour in the vicinity of the tea shop, where water from the toilet tap was purportedly used. During the raid, officials operated near the Devaswom Board parking area, close to the washroom, with some covering their noses due to the strong smell. K.R., a member of the BJP district committee, strongly voiced opposition to the incident, and additional workers arrived under the leadership of Soji.
Following a complaint received by the Revenue Vigilance team regarding the use of wastewater from the toilet tap in the tea shop, supported by evidence in the form of footage showing water being collected from the tap into the tank, the Revenue Vigilance Squad conducted a comprehensive inspection.
Notably, this incident occurred during the peak season for the Sabarimala temple. The 41-day pilgrimage, known as the mandala season, scheduled to commence in December and January, is all set to begin.
