A controversy that erupted over the alleged denial of free temple meals to Narikuravar community children at the Nellaiappar Temple has now escalated, with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department filing a police complaint against the activist who brought the issue to light.
Activist David Raja, who recorded and shared the now-viral video of the children narrating their ordeal, has been accused by the department of “spreading misinformation.” The complaint comes even as questions continue to be raised over whether the children were denied entry during the annadhanam organised on 3 February 2026 to mark former Chief Minister CN Annadurai’s death anniversary.
HR&CE Department Releases Select CCTV Clip
In response to the backlash, HR&CE officials released an eight-minute CCTV clip showing David Raja arriving at the meal distribution area with four children. Temple staff are seen speaking to him before he leaves with them.
According to the department, the footage proves that no discrimination took place. Officials stated that the commemorative meal service (Samabandhi) had concluded by the time Raja arrived with the children.
They claimed:
- Free meals began at 12:30 PM
- Around 792 people were served
- Additional crowds arrived later by 1:45 PM
- By 1:48 pm, when Raja brought the children, the event had ended
On this basis, the department alleged that the activist falsely portrayed the situation as caste-based denial.
Activist Disputes Official Version
David Raja has strongly contested the department’s claims, maintaining that the viral video captured only the aftermath, not the children’s initial attempt to access the meal.
He asserted that the children had already been turned away once before he intervened and that their first attempt was denied without explanation. He stated that the second denial cited food shortage and that officials have released only a partial CCTV segment.
Raja has demanded that the full, unedited footage, including recordings from other cameras, be made public, arguing that his oral complaint to HR&CE officials would also have been captured.
HR and CE department filed a police complaint against David Raja alleging he spread misinformation. He recorded and posted on social media a video of Narikuravar community children who claimed that Nellaiappar Temple staff denied them permission to partake in the free meal during… https://t.co/TGSxNYTu81 pic.twitter.com/z4wzEcwAQ6
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) February 4, 2026
Inquiry vs Police Action
While HR&CE Joint Commissioner Kavitha initially said CCTV footage spanning nearly two hours would be reviewed to ascertain facts, the filing of a police complaint against the whistle-blower has drawn attention.
The move shifts focus away from the core allegation, whether marginalised children were prevented from participating, and instead targets the individual who amplified their claims.
Officials Deny Allegations
Temple authorities, along with local political functionaries present at the event, have denied any wrongdoing. They insist the issue stems purely from timing and logistical constraints, not discrimination.
Source: The New Indian Express
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