The temple priest of Varadaraja Perumal Temple of Arasar Kovil near Maduranthakam in Chengalpattu district was attacked and his poonool (sacred thread) was cut off by two Christian men a few days back.
Kannan Bhattacharyar who along with his family takes care of the daily affairs of the Varadaraja Perumal temple was performing the evening Aarti when Patrick Selvam and Anthony had come into the temple premises in an inebriated condition and were taking photos of the sanctum sanctorum. Photography and videography is strictly prohibited in most of the temples. The Bhattacharyar on seeing these two men clicking photos warned them and asked them to not do so for which they took offence and attacked him. The priest’s family and other workers and devotees who came to the rescue of the priest were also attacked by the two men.
The priest had then lodged a police complaint at the Padalam police station against the culprits. However, the police were not interested in taking action. Later, Hindu Munnani and Andhanar Munnetra Kazhagam (AMK – an organization for the welfare of Brahmins in Tamil Nadu) reached out to the priest. Rajali Jayaprakash, a lawyer and the head of AMK had assured legal assistance and also contacted the police who had said that they have filed a Community Service Register (CSR).
One of the men Anthony is said to be associated with the DMK. A picture of the party even that he attended started doing the rounds on social media.
Fearing arrest, when Bhattacharya and local functionaries were on their way to the police station, the two miscreants Patrick Selvam and Anthony approached them to withdraw the case as it would affect their lives. The generous priest even agreed to it and asked them to seek the forgiveness from the Gods who they have insulted.
The men later issued an apology letter.
Source: Hindupost