Kochi: Hindu fringe groups have called for a 12-hour Bandh in Kerala on Saturday to protest the detain of a senior right-wing leader.She was on her way to the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala and police booked her.

Vishva Hindu Parishad state president SJR Kumar made allegatons that Hindu Aikya Vedi state president K P Sasikala was arrested by police near Marakkoottam near Sabarimala at 2.30 am on Saturday.

“She was arrested as she was on the way to the hilly holy place carrying irumudikkettu (bundle carrying sacred offerings) to offer prayers. Some other activists have been taken into preventive custody,” Kumar said, as per news agency PTI.

On the other hand News agency ANI tweeted, “Kerala:Sabarimala Karma Samithi calls statewide shutdown today from 6 am-6 pm in protest against arrest of Hindu Aikya Vedi state Pres KP Sasikala at Marakkoottam last night.She was going to Sannidhanam & arrested after she protested when police didn't allow her to travel at night”

Kumar also accused the Kerala government of trying to wipe out the Sabarimala temple customs. He, however, stated that essential services and vehicles of Ayyappa devotees will not be affected by the hartal.

The temple was opened amid a edgy standoff involving social activist Trupti Desai in Kochi and a move by the Sabarimala administrator to look for time from the Supreme Court to execute its verdict.