Eight Coimbatore Temple Staff Suspended Following July Hundial Theft Allegations

HR&CE Ministry Discovers Missing Donation Box

Minister Ramesh of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department has initiated disciplinary action against eight personnel at the Koniamman Temple in Coimbatore. The move follows an internal probe into the mishandling of religious offerings during a recent audit. The facility, situated on Periakadai Veedhi, became the center of a criminal investigation after a physical donation box, known as a hundial, vanished during the administrative process.

Counting Irregularities and Administrative Failures

Detailed reports indicate that the incident occurred on July 15 during the formal counting of hundial collections. The Minister stated that four specific workers allegedly stole one of the collection containers. The suspension extends beyond the direct suspects to include higher-ranking officials who were present during the procedure. These supervisors failed to report the theft or take appropriate measures when the discrepancy was first identified.

Legal and Departmental Consequences

Authorities have transitioned the case to the police, where a formal criminal complaint has been registered against the involved parties. The minister reaffirmed that the department will not tolerate negligence or dishonesty in managing temple assets.

• Date of Incident: July 15
• Total Suspensions: 8 employees, including administrative officials
• Location: Koniamman Temple, Periakadai Veedhi, Coimbatore
• Primary Charge: Theft of a hundial and failure of oversight

Source: The Hindu — Home