In Villupuram, a temple dedicated to Amman was demolished by officials of the DMK government, sparking protests from local residents and devotees. The temple, located in the Vazhudareddy Colony area, was reportedly constructed on land alleged to be encroaching on a cemetery.
The issue came to light after Arogyaswamy filed a case in the Madras High Court, claiming that the temple was encroaching on the cemetery area. Following the court’s order to remove the encroached structures, the demolition process began under the supervision of Municipal Commissioner Ramesh on May 1, 2024.
தற்பொழுது விழுப்புரம் வாழுதரெட்டியில் கோவில் இடிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது பரபரப்பு ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது, ஆரோக்கியசாமி என்னும் பாவாடை கொடுத்த புகாரின் பேரில் 300 போலீசாரின் முன்னிலையில் இடித்து தள்ளியது இந்த வீணா போன @arivalayam அரசு pic.twitter.com/XQ4KPfrqf6
— ARVINTH NATARAJ 🧡💚 MODIJI FAMILY (@ilove_bjpnation) May 1, 2024
However, the demolition faced resistance from local residents, particularly women devotees, who gathered in large numbers to protest against the move. Despite the deployment of over 100 policemen for security, the protesters surrounded officials and engaged in heated confrontations.Devotees expressed their frustration by hurling mud and curses at police and officials during the demolition process.
The priority and speed in these kind of things are just amazing… pic.twitter.com/HE0cbQIZRT
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) May 1, 2024
Ram Prasad, representing the residents of Vazhudareddy Colony, addressed the media following the demolition, shedding light on the community’s sentiments. He explained that the temple initially began with a small statue of the Anngalamman deity, but as faith grew stronger, residents collectively raised funds to construct a temple, even resorting to begging for donations. According to Prasad, government officials initiated the demolition without prior notice, despite larger encroachments by commercial establishments reducing the temple’s land area to a mere fraction. He criticised the early morning operation, which saw around 300–400 policemen descend on the village while residents were asleep.
பிச்சை எடுத்து தான் கோயில கட்டுனோம்.. இரவோடு இரவாக தரைமட்டமான கோயில்#Viluppuram #Temple #Occupancy #DistrictCollector #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/G3UrKNOsnI
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) May 1, 2024
The demolition came following a petition from Arockiasamy, prompting the government to obtain court permission for the action. However, Ram Prasad criticised the lack of communication from authorities, noting that residents were not notified or warned before the demolition took place.
Residents voiced concerns over what they perceive as the selective targeting of temples by the DMK government, while other encroachments remain untouched. They questioned the government’s approach, highlighting the disparity in addressing encroachments from different communities despite court directives.
Ram Prasad revealed that despite the temple occupying only 10 cents of land, government officials, accompanied by a large contingent of policemen, conducted the demolition in the early hours of the morning, catching villagers off guard. He expressed dismay at the lack of communication and transparency in the process, especially considering the significant encroachments made by other commercial entities in the vicinity.
In a related development, residents of Ayyambatti near Orathanadu in Thanjavur district have also raised concerns over their exclusion from participating in the Valavanda Ayyannar temple festivities. Expressing their grievances, over 350 villagers, led by Tamilar Desam Katchi coordinator Guru Manikanda, presented a petition at the Thanjavur Collector’s office, accusing law enforcement officials of preventing their community from participating in the festival at Kottaitheru within the Orathanadu circle.They demanded swift action against the officers involved in the altercation and the immediate release of the detainees without charges.
According to reports, permission was initially granted for Ayyambatti villagers to contribute floral offerings during the festival. However, individuals from a particular community obstructed their participation, leading to a confrontation with the police and revenue department officials. During the altercation, two individuals sustained severe injuries and are currently hospitalised, while ten others, including Mahalingam, Karunanidhi, Satish, Ayyappan, and Saminathan, were arrested from Ayyambatti.
The Valavanda Ayyannar temple, managed by an 18-village group, holds significant cultural importance, with specific communities entrusted with responsibilities during the annual celebration. Permission was granted for Ayyambatti villagers to contribute floral offerings on April 28, 2024. However, individuals from a particular community reportedly obstructed their participation.
On the same night, Ayyambatti villagers attempted to proceed with the floral offerings but were met with resistance from police and revenue department officials. A confrontation ensued, resulting in severe injuries to two individuals who were subsequently hospitalised. Ten individuals, including Mahalingam, Karunanidhi, Satish, Ayyappan, and Saminathan, were arrested in Ayyambatti.
Led by Tamilar Desam Katchi coordinator Guru Manikanda, over 350 villagers presented a petition at the Thanjavur Collector’s office, demanding action against the officers involved in the altercation and the release of the detainees without charges.
காவல்துறையா சாதிவெறியர்கள் துறையாக
தொடர்ச்சியாக முத்தரையர் சமுதாய மக்கள் மீது கொலைவெறி தாக்குதல் நடத்தும் தஞ்சாவூர் காவல் துறையை @ThanjavurPolice வன்மையாக கண்டிக்கிறோம்…@tnpoliceoffl#Justicefor_Ayyampatti_Mutharaiyar pic.twitter.com/qwXxr9bMAE— Viruthai Bala (@M_BalaSundar_) April 29, 2024
These incidents have reignited debates about the government’s handling of religious affairs and law enforcement’s impartiality. Residents continue to voice concerns over perceived discrimination and selective enforcement of laws, urging authorities to address grievances promptly and ensure equal treatment for all citizens.
