Getting abusive phone calls and threats, says model

Kottayam: A model who stepped into a Palliyodam (a ceremonial snakeboat) in Aranmula and posed for a photo shoot a few days ago has been facing a harrowing time.
Though Nimisha Bijo, against whom a case has been registered for allegedly breaking temple customs, removed the photographs from her Instagram account, she has been receiving abusive phone calls and threats on social media.
Speaking to TOI on Wednesday, Nimisha, a Mundakkayam native living in Ernakulam, said she will be appearing before Thiruvalla police on Thursday. The model will also file a complaint with the cyber wing of the police over the social media abuse she has been facing.
“No woman should face such a situation. I made a mistake out of ignorance. Nobody warned me. When I realised my mistake I removed the photographs from Instagram. They should have at least considered that I am a woman,” she said.
Only after a controversy erupted over her photo shoot did she come to know about the relevance of Palliyodam from Google, she said.
Palliyodam is a type of large snakeboat used for boat race associated with Aranmula temple. Various villages near the temple own such boats, which are mostly used for the famous Aranmula Vallasadya and the boat race.
Nimisha, who has acted in a few TV serials, had worn her shoes while posing on the boat. According to the Seva Sangham, she broke two rules: First, women are not allowed on the boats and second, nobody steps on the boat wearing footwear.
“I am a model and I will have to pose differently for photographs. To some of the photos people have commented that boiling water should be poured over me,” said Nimisha, who is also a purple belt in Karate. “People have been abusing me without knowing the truth,” she added.
Though she has removed the photos from her Instagram account, the photos are still in circulation on social media platforms. “We want to ensure that the photos are not circulated further, bringing dishonour to the Palliyodam. We may approach the court,” said an official with Palliyodam committee. He said the committee will hold a meeting on Thursday.
Thrivalla police registered a case against the model based on a complaint by Palliyodam committee. Section 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) of the IPC had been imposed against her.