TIRUCHIRAPALLI: A prominent leader of the Dravidar Kazhagam (DMK) party, identified as Ramkumar, has been included as an accused in a criminal case registered in connection with the long-pending Tirmugapuram temple land diversion controversy in Tiruchirappalli district.
The case centres on allegations that certain government lands earmarked for the centuries-old Tirmugapuram Vishnu temple were allegedly diverted or reallocated for other purposes without following due legal procedure. Local devotees and activists had raised concerns about the matter over several years, alleging irregularities in the land records and administrative orders issued by the temple department.
Ramkumar, who is a sitting DMK legislator from the region, has categorically denied all allegations against him. In a public statement, he stated that the issue is already sub-judice and a petition pertaining to the temple land dispute is currently pending before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. He argued that since the matter is already under judicial scrutiny, any fresh action should respect the ongoing proceedings.
The Tirmugapuram temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is one of the oldest and most significant pilgrimage sites in the Tiruchirappalli district and attracts lakhs of devotees annually. The temple board in the past has maintained that all procedures were followed during the land transactions in question.
Human rights and devotee groups active in the region have long opposed the diversion, arguing that temple lands cannot be transferred without the clearance of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Department and in accordance with the principles established by the Supreme Court of India. Legal experts note that once a case is filed and a person is named as an accused, it moves into the investigation stage, which typically involves the local police and the state vigilance and anti-corruption branch.
Local political observers said the naming of a senior DMK functionary has added to the already charged atmosphere in Tamil Nadu politics, where temple land issues have repeatedly become flashpoints between opposition parties and the ruling alliance.
