HMK seeks probe into theft of gold from Rameswaram temple car

The 18-ft-tall ‘Golden Car’ in the Ramanathaswamy temple was presented in the year 2001 and since then, devotees paying Rs 2,000 were allowed to pull the car in the Third Pragaram of the temple. However, in the last four years, the ‘Golden Car’ has been lying idle and has not been used by the devotees.

Against this backdrop, Prabakaran, Ramanathapuram District President, HMK, had demanded that Pon Manickavel probe the theft of gold. He said the ‘Golden Car’ was made at a cost of several crores of rupees with gold coating. However, the temple officials have stolen the gold from the ‘Golden Car’ and when it was renovated in the subsequent years spending several lakhs of rupees, the car did not retain its shine. It proved that the original gold plating was removed and duplicate plates were installed, he claimed. 

Because of the duplicate plates, the ‘Golden Car’ had turned black and since it has turned black the car is now kept out of the sight of devotees. Because it is lying idle for four years the devotees have a strong doubt that the entire gold had been stolen by the temple officials. 

So the Idol Wing should carry out proper inquiry and should find how many grams of gold have been stolen from the ‘Golden Car’. Also, how much amount was spent on ‘Golden Car’ in the name of renovation and the truth should be brought out, demanded Prabakaran.