A major controversy has erupted following the alleged suicide of Vishnu, the chief archaka of the Anayara Mulloor Sree Bhadrakali temple near Kazhakkkoottam in Thiruvananthapuram, with allegations emerging against CPM leader and former Devaswom Minister Kadakampalli Surendran.
According to reports, the incident traces back to a recent visit by the MLA to the temple after election trends began emerging. During the visit, Surendran reportedly asked for theerdham (prasadam offered after performing pooja). Vishnu handed over the prasadam as per temple practice. However, the MLA allegedly handled it in a manner considered disrespectful to temple customs. The priest is said to have objected, questioning why the prasadam was taken without due reverence.
Following this, it is alleged that supporters of the MLA, including members associated with the temple committee, began harassing Vishnu. Reports claim that he was pressured to issue a public apology for allegedly “insulting” the leader.
According to sources, Vishnu died by suicide on April 5 within a building inside the temple premises. A Malayalam television channel, Janam TV, reportedly aired visuals of a suicide note. A close associate of the priest told the channel that Vishnu had been under severe mental stress due to sustained pressure and humiliation.
Vishnu had been serving at the Mulloor temple for nearly 15 years. Further allegations suggest that he was prevented from performing key ritual duties during the temple festival, including holding the deity on the elephant during procession — an act reportedly seen as retaliation. Additionally, claims have surfaced that he was subjected to caste-based insults.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, with demands for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the priest’s death and the role of those allegedly involved. Authorities are yet to issue an official statement as the matter continues to unfold.
