HR&CE minister’s temple sting exposes bribe racket at Tiruchendur; priest barred

Madurai: A priest was barred and two security guards at Tiruchendur Subramania Swamy Temple were suspended after they allegedly sought a ₹1,000 bribe from an aide of Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) minister S Ramesh, who posed as a devotee. While a police complaint has been lodged against them, two tonsure workers were suspended and their licences temporarily cancelled for allegedly collecting money from devotees availing the free tonsure facility.

Acting on complaints of irregularities, HR&CE minister Ramesh arrived at the temple wearing a mask and conducted a surprise inspection on Friday morning. At the gopuram entrance, they allegedly sought ₹1,000 for direct ‘special VIP’ darshan without waiting in the regular queue.

Following the incident, explanations were sought from those involved – A Ayyapan, priest, K Karuppasamy and A Thoppu, two ex-servicemen deployed as guards by TEXCO. Meanwhile, there were reports that claimed they were let off with an apology. Rejecting the allegation, minister Ramesh said the findings would be submitted to the chief minister and further action would follow. “ There will be no discrimination, no divisions and no soft corner. If anyone has committed a mistake, action will certainly be taken.”

The action against Ayyappan drew criticism from some quarters, which alleged that the priest had been treated leniently because both he and minister S Ramesh belong to the brahmin community, unlike others who faced suspension. HR&CE officials said Ayyappan was not a temple employee but a hereditary priest who performed services in the temple voluntarily and that disciplinary provisions available against contract workers and staff could not be directly applied to him.

Apart from examining the allegations relating to darshan, the minister reviewed the functioning of annadhanam halls and inspected temple properties. The team assessed whether revenues due to the temple were being properly collected and identified areas where income generation or collection could be affected.

HR&CE officials also reviewed basic infrastructure, sanitation facilities and maintenance practices across the temple premises. “We are also studying how devotees can have darshan and leave the temple more quickly and what measures can be introduced for that purpose,” said Ramesh.