PHEB says it was misled over booth for Swami Nithyanandha followers

Penang Hindu Endowment Board (PHEB), which organises the annual Thaipusam festival, did not give the permission for Swami Nithyanandha followers to set up a booth.

PHEB chairperson P Ramasamy said the board is investigating how the followers of this "cult" managed to set up a booth (panthal) at the festival site along the Waterfall Gardens.

"We have been misled to think that the booth is merely for refreshments, and in no way gave permission to such cult to abuse the festival. We have strict rules and regulations. It goes against our policy," he told Malaysiakini.

Ramasamy, who is also Penang deputy chief minister II, was referring to a video clip showing several DAP leaders having an argument at a booth allegedly set up by Swami Nithyanandha followers.

In a clip circulated via Whatsapp, DAP Bagan Dalam assemblyperson Satees Muniandy was accused of vandalising the booth.

Satees (photo) and his companions, Seberang Perai City councillors David Marshel and Jason Raj, are also accused of threatening the group with physical abuse, and tearing down their banners.

He denied the alleged act vandalism, and claimed that there was no physical contact during the incident but "just a normal shouting match".

Satees said they were totally against the cult, which is allegedly recruiting youths and women to Kailash.

He lodged a police report and explained his disdain for the group in an article.

Meanwhile, Ramasamy backed Satees, saying that he was a PHEB commissioner who has rights to intervene in problems affecting the festival.

"Satees has the right to be concerned about the booth being misused by certain quarters to propagate their cult, which is illegal in India due to the nature of the cult activities. The other two councillors also have the right to be concerned enough to approach any booths which may have violated our PHEB policies.

"After investigating the incident at the booth, we found that Satees and the two councillors did not vandalise, nor were there any physical abuse or violence at the scene. Those make false allegations, please stop it. We hope the police will act swiftly as Satees has lodged a report," he added. - Mkini