New Delhi: One of the two women who became the first female devotees of menstruating age to enter the Sabarimala temple after the Supreme Court’s historic judgment has been sent to a government-run home after her in-laws refused to let her stay with them.

Kanakdurga, a 39-year-old government employee, had returned home last week after threats forced her to go into hiding. She was attacked by her mother-in-law and sustained a head injury when she was hit with a wooden plank. She was admitted to a hospital. The mother-in-law was also admitted to a hospital and claimed that she was manhandled by Kanakadurga.

According to Hindustan Times, though the police tried to counsel the in-laws, but the Nair family was adamant that Kanakdurga – a mother of two –would only be allowed back after she tenders a public apology and “atones for her sins”.

The in-laws claimed that she had brought “shame” to the community and hurt the sentiments of other devotees.

Bindu Ammini, the other woman to accompany Kanakadurga when they entered the Ayyappa temple on January 2, said the latter’s husband locked the house and was staying at a relative’s house to avoid her. “She is presently in a government-run home in Perninthalamanna. We will move the court against her relatives’ move,” Ammini, a guest lecturer with Kannur University, told Hindustan Times.

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Ammini claimed to have spoken to Kanakadurga, who was in high spirits. “Some forces are pressuring her family but they won’t succeed,” she said. Bindu’s husband and her daughter supported her decision to enter the temple.

Kanakadurga’s brother Bharat Bhushan said on Sunday that he and his family had also disowned her. Participating in an Ayyappa devotees conclave in Thiruvananthapuram he said they will “accept her” only if she gives a public apology. Bhushan is a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Ammini and Kanakadurga’s entry into the was violently protested by right-wing Hindu groups. During and after a day-long hartal protesting their entry, several instances of violence were reported and the houses of some politicians were bombed. The Kerala police arrested thousands of people and took several more into preventive custody.

The Supreme Court last week directed the state government to provide round-the-clock protection to the two women. Fearing for their lives, the women petitioned the top court for security.