Two Devotees Attempt Self-Immolation Protesting Encroachment Of Temple Property in TN’s Dindigul District

Protesting against the encroachment of Kali Temple properties at Vathalakundu in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district, two devotees attempted self-immolation, while a section of the locals staged a road blockade in front of the temple on Wednesday (13 June).

Tamil newspaper Daily Thanthi reported that the locals were protesting against some people allegedly trying to set up shops at the temple’s free meal (annadhanam) hall, which is being reconstructed.

Devotees and locals demanded that the encroachments be removed and had resorted to a flash blockade when two devotees - Gopi and Kannan - attempted self-immolation. Local police rushed to the spot to prevent any untoward incident. They also negotiated with the agitating public and assured that the encroachments would be removed with the help of the temple officials.

The Vathalakundu incident is the latest among a string of protests by devotees in Tamil Nadu against encroachment of temple properties. Unrest among the people is growing since they find the Hindu Religious and Charttable Endowments Department being a silent witness to such encroachments.