Kochi, October 20: Rahul Easwar, the President of the Ayyappa Dharma Sena, will remain in jail as a Kerala court rejected his bail plea. Rahul Easwar was arrested in connection with protest against the Supreme Court's verdict allowing entry of women of all age group to Sabarimala temple. He was taken into custory from Nilakkal base camp.

Rahul Easwar is on an indefinite hunger strike at the Kottarakara Sub-Jail where he has been lodged following his arrest. He resorted to the hunger strike reportedly against the police move to take him in a tractor after covering him with tarpaulin sheet. He has not made any demand so far. His wife Deepa alleged the police framed her husband.

Rahul Easwar was arrested for allegedly blocking Madhavi, a woman from Andhra Pradesh who had come to visit Sabarimala. In a video message, however, Deepa claimed Madhavi was blocked at Marakkoottam while Rahul was at Sannidhanam at the time. Sabrimala Verdict: Activists, Temple Board Unhappy, to File Review Petition.

Rahul Easwar has been booked under various charges including sections 144 (unlawful assembly), 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public serving from the discharge of duty), and 147 (rioting) of the Indian Penal Code.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2018 02:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).