Actor Dileep has been kept out of the coupon distribution inauguration of the upcoming festival at Kerala’s Ernakulam Shiva Temple following protests within the temple committee and concerns raised by the Cochin Devaswom Board. The decision was made ahead of the scheduled event, which was scheduled for Tuesday (December 16) evening, where Dileep was originally selected to receive the first coupon for the festivities starting on January 23.

His removal comes days after his acquittal in the controversial 2017 Malayalam actor attack case, where he was accused as the mastermind of the crime. Six others were convicted in the case, which involved attacking a popular Malayalam actor in a moving car and filming the incident.

The temple administration committee had already issued notices and got posters printed declaring Dilip as the guest for the coupon distribution ceremony. However, after objections were raised, the committee decided to remove Dileep from participation and revised the plan of the program accordingly.

Discussions within the temple committee reportedly led to strong objections regarding Dileep’s proposed participation. Homeland Report. Additional concerns were also expressed by the Cochin Devaswom Board, which is responsible for overseeing the administration of the temple.

Since Dilip is no longer a part of the event, the committee has nominated the chief priest to receive the first coupon at the ceremony, which will go ahead as planned at 6:30 pm on Tuesday. The annual festival at the Ernakulam Shiva Temple is a major community event, and preparations for the festival, including coupon opening, are an important tradition.

The promotional material, which initially featured Dileep’s name, was circulated before the committee’s decision to change the guest list. Temple administration acted quickly to update plans and inform the public about the change. The committee confirmed that all other arrangements of the festival would remain unchanged, and the event would continue as scheduled.