2 weeks ago
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Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister S. Ramesh connected Friday (May 29, 2026) conducted a astonishment inspection astatine the renowned Tiruchendur Subramanya Swami temple, wherever a contention erupted aft a clergyman allegedly demanded wealth from the Minister for a speedier darshan, reportedly unaware of his identity.
It is said that the Minister entered the temple premises alone, wearing a look mask, and casually enquired with the clergyman astir darshan. The clergyman allegedly demanded a definite amount, pursuing which the Minister reportedly transferred the wealth done an online transaction.
Later, addressing the media, Mr. Ramesh said the astonishment inspection was conducted based connected aggregate complaints regarding irregularities astatine the temple.
He added that helium had visited the temple successful the aboriginal hours wearing a disguise and said helium had straight recovered instances of wealth being collected from devotees, who were past taken wrong for darshan. Noting that some priests and officials were jointly progressive successful the practice, helium said enactment would beryllium taken against them without immoderate partiality.
Responding to the assertion that an apology missive had been received from the idiosyncratic progressive successful the irregularities, helium clarified that lone an explanatory letter, submitted arsenic portion of the procedure, had been received.
Extensive review
The Minister added that inspections were besides carried retired astatine the ‘annadhana koodam’ (temple eating hall).
He stated that further reviews were besides undertaken regarding temple properties, disrupted gross streams, infrastructure and sanitation facilities, and ways to amended faster darshan for devotees.
Mr. Ramesh asserted that, based connected the inspection report, enactment would beryllium taken against the individuals, whoever they whitethorn be.
Responding to a question connected whether the clergyman had demanded currency from him for darshan, helium said the inspection was inactive ongoing and that elaborate accusation would beryllium provided aft it was completed.
Security unit removed
In transportation with the irregularities, an bid dated May 29 has besides been issued to region 2 information unit posted astatine the entranceway of Shanmuga Vilasa Mandapam, who allegedly received wealth from the clergyman to let devotees for darshan. The information personnel, some ex-servicemen, were recruited done TEXCO, Tirunelveli.
