Tension has been reported in Thummanaikkanpatti village in Madurai district after objections were raised to renovation work at two centuries-old temples under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.
The Vinayagar temple and the Karuppanasamy temple, said to be around 300 years old and located on about 2.40 acres, had received permission from the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to proceed with renovation. Local residents, however, said some Muslims in the area opposed the work.
According to a petition submitted to the Madurai Superintendent of Police by hereditary trustee Maheswaran and villagers, a case had earlier been filed by a person named Sakul Hameed seeking to stop the renovation. The High Court issued an order in January allowing the work, and later, on February 18, directed that security be provided.
Villagers alleged that protesters entered the temple premises and staged a sit-in, insisting that the temple should not be renovated and should be shifted elsewhere. Police intervened and dispersed the gathering, but residents said the renovation has still not begun and sought continuous protection until the work is completed and the kumbabhishekam is conducted.
They also claimed that continued obstruction even after court orders amounts to contempt and urged the State government to step in and ensure a solution.
