Trichy Villagers Stage Protest at Collector's Office Over Temple Fund Misuse
More than three hundred residents from Malvai village near Lalgudi gathered in front of the Trichy district collectorate on Monday. They attempted to lay siege to the premises. The villagers demanded an immediate inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of funds from their local temple.
Road Blockade During Public Grievance Meeting
The protest occurred while a public grievance redressal meeting was underway inside the collector's office. District collector V Saravanan chaired this meeting. Protesters staged a road blockade outside the building. They voiced their demands loudly for action against temple priests and officials.
Police personnel quickly deployed at the spot. They held talks with the agitated villagers. Following these discussions, the protesters withdrew their agitation. They submitted a formal petition to the district collector instead.
Allegations of Systematic Misappropriation
The villagers made serious allegations about financial irregularities at the Ayyanar Boomibalagan temple in their village. They claimed that more than two crore rupees had been siphoned off from hundi collections over the past three years. According to their complaint, the temple priest was primarily responsible for this misappropriation.
The temple serves as the family deity for over five thousand villagers in Malvai. It comes under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department. Protesters alleged that hereditary trustees and temple priests had misused temple properties systematically.
Specific allegations included:- Misappropriation of gold ornaments donated by devotees
- Diversion of hundi collections meant for temple maintenance
- Misuse of donations received specifically for renovation works
- Alleged complicity of HR&CE department officials in these activities
Demands for Thorough Investigation
The protesters insisted on a comprehensive inquiry into all financial transactions at the temple. They demanded strict action against everyone involved in the alleged misappropriation. Their petition specifically named temple priests, hereditary trustees, and HR&CE officials.
Villagers expressed frustration over what they described as prolonged inaction regarding their complaints. They stated that the misappropriation had continued for years without proper investigation. The protest at the collectorate represented their attempt to get authorities to take notice.
District collector V Saravanan received the petition from the villagers. He assured them that their complaints would be examined properly. The collector promised appropriate action based on the findings of any investigation.
The situation remained tense throughout the protest but concluded peacefully after police intervention. Local authorities are now expected to review the allegations and determine the next course of action regarding the temple fund misappropriation claims.
