Retired IG Pon Manickavel has accused both the DMK and AIADMK governments of misappropriating funds from Tamil Nadu’s temples under the guise of taxes. He claimed that over a three-year period, a total of ₹1,153 crore was taken from temples.
Speaking to reporters after visiting the Arudra Kapaleeswarar Temple in Erode, Manickavel expressed his concerns over the state of the temple, stating that it had been damaged. He alleged that the ancient idols surrounding the sanctum sanctorum had been stolen and replaced with new ones. Manickavel echoed the remarks of the Prime Minister, who had earlier commented on the looting of temple property in Tamil Nadu. He further accused both the previous and current state administrations of imposing taxes on temples while also conducting audits under the pretense of oversight. According to Manickavel, the government collected ₹327 crore in 2018, ₹348 crore in 2019, and ₹478 crore in 2021 in temple taxes. At present, the tax collection from Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu amounts to ₹656 crore, equating to a monthly tax revenue of ₹56 crore.
Pon Manickavel said, “This temple is very old and ancient. The ancient characteristics of this temple have been completely wiped out replaced with new draped colors, as if they say ‘barbaric vandalism has been done at its best’. Inside the temple, surrounding the sanctum, there are many Kosta deities, all of which are new. The original antique idols that were once present were stolen and taken away. No one knows this because they did not have the understanding or knowledge. Last year or the year before, I think Prime Minister Modi visited the temple. He accused that the temple properties were being stolen in Tamil Nadu, and in response Stalin opposed, saying “It was nothing like that.” Whoever says something, let it be, but this temple is an example of what Mr. Modi accused, saying ‘Yes, the accusation he made is true’. I’m saying this based on activities done inside.”
Manickavel accused the executive officers from the HRCE department of misappropriated the temple’s properties. He revealed that a report regarding this issue was submitted to the commissioner in 2017, but it was ignored. In connection with this, the government has suspended two of the three accused executive officers. However, there was internal pressure to conceal these allegations from the court. Manickavel urged the government to take strict legal action in response to this matter.
பிரதமர் கோவில் சொத்துக்கள் கொள்ளையடிக்கப்படுவதாக சொன்னதை உறுதிப்படுத்தும் வகையில் ஈரோடு ஆருத்ரா கபாலீஸ்வரர் கோவில் மோசடி நிகழ்ந்துள்ளது – பொன்மாணிக்கவேல் குற்றச்சாட்டு#Erode | #Kapaleeshwarar | #TempleIssue | #Ponmanickavel | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/EuMxZITaOU
— Polimer News (@polimernews) December 3, 2024
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