Nilakkal, October 17: Ahead of the opening of the ancient Sabarimala temple for monthly prayers this evening, at least five female journalists were attacked by angry protesters when they had gone to cover the stand-off. Female reports working for Republic TV, Aaj Tak, CNN-News 18, NDTV and The News Minute were heckled and abused by protesters. Vehicles of these media houses were also damaged.

Saritha S Balan from The News Minute was the first one who was targetted by people who have been protesting against women's entry into Sabarimala temple despite the Supreme Court's ruling. Saritha was on the state transport bus when a mob of 20 men -- allegedly belonging to Karma Samithi -- surrounded the bus and tried to pull her out.

She was abused and physically attacked. One of the attackers kicked her on the spine, said The News Minute. Republic TV's South India bureau chief Pooja Prasanna was also attacked when she was on her way to cover protests at Sabarimala temple. "The mob of anti-women Sabarimala protesters had snatched batons from the police and attacked the television crew," Republic TV tweeted.

NDTV's reporter Sneha Mary Koshy and cameraperson SP Babu were heckled. Their camera was also snatched away. Reporters and crew members of CNN-News 18 and Aaj Tak were also targeted. At Nilackal, activists belonging to the BJP, Congress, and Hindu groups are protesting the Supreme Court verdict allowing women aged 10-50 to pray at the Sabarimala temple, reversing a long-standing tradition.

The demonstrators forcibly turned back stray women visiting the shrine despite police assurances that no one will be prevented from taking part in the pilgrimage. Police tried to calm the protesters but they pelted stones on them, prompting the lathi-charge.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 17, 2018 03:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).