Half Century Old Nagathamman Temple In Maduravoyal Demolished Citing Encroachment Of Private Property, Devotees In Tears

Distressing scenes emerged in the Maduravoyal locality of Chennai when the authorities carried out the demolition of the Nagathamman temple following a directive from the High Court. This sparked a disturbance as several female devotees clung to the deity shedding tears.

In Maduravoyal, the temple, which was said to be encroaching upon the roadside, was dismantled and cleared with the assistance of a ‘Poclain’ machine, under the safeguard of law enforcement.

Located on Market Sannathi Street in Maduravoyal, the small Nagathamman temple, standing for half a century, faced legal scrutiny when Santhi Munirathnam filed a petition in the Madras High Court in 2019, citing disturbance caused by worshipers to her household’s vicinity. Consequently, the High Court mandated the temple’s removal. On 26 March 2024, officials from the revenue department and Chennai Corporation arrived at the site to execute the directive. However, encountering opposition from locals, they abandoned their efforts, given the ongoing election period. Later, a thorough survey, escorted by police, revealed that a portion of Santhi Munirathnam’s property had also been encroached upon by four feet.

In response to the resistance of the public and Hindu organisations during the initial survey, officials retreated. Subsequently, a formal notice was issued. Then, on 22 April 2024, with the protection of over 100 police officers, the encroached temple and the portion encroaching upon the plaintiff’s property were demolished using a ‘Bogline’ machine.