An alleged ₹3.40 crore irregularity in the distribution and sale of laddus at the Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram has triggered protests, with Hindu organisations accusing the police of delaying the investigation.
According to the temple administration, the issue relates to the period from 2024 up to March 13, 2026, during which laddus were given as free prasadam to devotees and also sold at a counter inside the temple premises. The temple’s Joint Commissioner, Chellathurai, inspected the matter on March 14.
Following the inspection, six temple staff members, including an employee named Panchamoorthi, were suspended on May 14 in connection with the alleged fraud. The Joint Commissioner later submitted a petition on May 15 to Ramanathapuram Superintendent of Police Sandheesh, seeking criminal action against nine people, including suspended and temporary staff, and requesting recovery of the allegedly misappropriated amount for the temple administration.
The case drew attention across the country, and the organisations claimed that the delay could allow those involved to escape accountability. They demanded that the investigation be expedited under a senior police officer and urged Chief Minister Vijay to intervene and ensure action against those responsible.
