The Hindu Munnani has strongly criticized the ruling DMK government after allegations emerged that a local party functionary in Dindigul had encroached upon land belonging to a 100-year-old temple dedicated to Kaliyamman, Mariyamman, and Bhagavathi Amman in Boothamarathupatti near Pallapatti.
According to reports, Gunasekaran, the local DMK branch secretary, has laid claim to property within the temple premises—specifically, a cultural hall stage intended for staging the traditional ‘Valli Thirumanam’ play during the ongoing temple festival. This festival began on 20 May with preparatory activities, including the construction of ceremonial structures.
Local residents and devotees have opposed this move and lodged formal complaints with both the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department and the Dindigul Taluk Police Station. However, no action has reportedly been taken, allegedly due to the political influence of the accused.
In protest, over 50 people, including women, gathered at the police station, accusing authorities of failing to protect temple property and hindering the conduct of traditional religious events. Police eventually dispersed the crowd after holding discussions.
The temple, which falls under the jurisdiction of the HR&CE Department, has reportedly been targeted by Gunasekaran and his family, who allegedly formed a private trust two years ago in an effort to gain control of temple assets.
Hindu Munnani took to its official X account to question the silence of HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekar Babu. The organization demanded to know whether the minister, who frequently claims credit for reclaiming thousands of acres of temple land across Tamil Nadu, would intervene in this case as well.
Hindu Munnani stated, “DMK members have encroached upon temple land… Will Minister Sekar Babu speak up? The department minister falsely claims in acres that thousands of acres of temple land have been recovered, will he take steps to reclaim this temple land?”
“There is a 100-year-old temple dedicated to Kaliyamman, Mariyamman, and Bhagavathi Amman in Boothamarathupatti area of Pallapatti, in Dindigul district. This temple is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. Gunasekaran, the local DMK branch secretary, has been involved in attempts to seize temple property. Currently, the DMK functionary is claiming that the drama stage inside the temple’s cultural hall—meant for the important play of Valli Thirumanam during the temple festival belongs to him. Although a complaint has been filed with the HR&CE Department, no action has been taken since the accused belongs to the DMK. When the public and devotees gathered and staged a protest at the Dindigul Taluk Police Station demanding recovery of the encroached temple land, the police pacified and sent them away. Both the HR&CE Department and the police remain silent because the person involved is a member of the ruling party. Will the minister, who falsely boasts about recovering thousands of acres of temple land, take any action to recover this particular temple land?” the post read.
கோவில் நிலத்தை ஆக்கிரமித்த திமுகவினர்…
வாய் திறப்பரா? அமைச்சர் சேகர்பாபு..
ஆயிரக்கணக்கான கோவில் நிலங்களை மீட்டோம் என ஏக்கர் கணக்கில் பொய் சொல்லும் துறை அமைச்சர்
இந்த கோயில் நிலத்தை மீட்க நடவடிக்கை எடுப்பாரா?
திண்டுக்கல் மாவட்டம், பள்ளப்பட்டி பூதமரத்துப்பட்டியில் 100… pic.twitter.com/9uBefb65FK
— Hindu Munnani (@hindumunnani_tn) May 26, 2025
The inaction by the HR&CE Department and local police has fueled concerns over the protection of temple properties, especially when politically connected individuals are involved.
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