BJP distances itself from Palakkad temple theft accused

Palakkad: BJP has said that Prabhavathi, the accused in a temple donation box theft case in Nenmara, Palakkad, is no longer associated with the party.

BJP Nenmara constituency president L Nirmal Kumar said Prabhavathi had contested the 2020 local body elections as a BJP candidate from ward 19 of Nenmara grama panchayat. However, she was expelled from the party in 2023 after being named as an accused in a fraud case involving the pledging of imitation jewellery.

Kumar said Prabhavathi is not a member of BJP or any of its affiliated organizations at present.

The BJP functionary also alleged that attempts were being made to link the party to the theft case and said such claims were misleading. He added that the party takes strict action against those involved in activities that go against its principles.

Prabhavathi was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the theft of money from the donation box of the Mariamman temple at Puzhakkalthara.