In a controversial move, the front portion of the Karpaga Vinayagar Temple in Gerugambakkam, near Mangadu, Chennai, was demolished overnight by highway and revenue department officials as part of a road expansion project. The demolition has sparked outrage among local residents and devotees, who allege that the action was carried out without proper notice or consideration of their sentiments.
The temple, located on the route to Kolapakkam, was identified by highway authorities as encroaching on the road expansion path. A notice was issued for its demolition, which faced strong opposition from local residents. Despite the protests, officials demolished the front portion of the Karpaga Vinayagar temple overnight. Devotees were shocked to find the temple partially destroyed when they arrived the next morning.
Local residents have expressed anger over the lack of communication and the haste with which the demolition was carried out. Hindu Munnani has accused authorities of selectively targeting Hindu temples while ignoring encroachments by other religious structures. They claim that temples are systematically demolished under the guise of development, while churches and mosques on encroached land are often left untouched. Advocacy groups, including the Hindu Munnani, have urged authorities to follow Madras High Court guidelines, which emphasize due process and respect for religious sentiments during such demolitions.
சென்னை கெருகம்பாக்கம் பகுதியில் சாலை அமைப்பதற்காக அந்த பகுதியில் உள்ள கற்பக விநாயகர் கோவிலின் முன்பகுதியை அகற்ற பொதுமக்கள் எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்த நிலையில் நெடுஞ்சாலைத் துறை அதிகாரிகள் இரவோடு இரவாக இடித்து அகற்றி உள்ளனர்.சாலை விரிவாக்க பணிகளை காரணம் காட்டி திட்டமிட்டு கோயில்களை… pic.twitter.com/fNVCwXYf0N
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) January 15, 2025
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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