Self-proclaimed godman startles Salem collector with ‘chappal ashirwad’

The Salem collectorate was burstling with activity on Monday because of the weekly grievance day meeting. 

Hundreds of persons from different parts of the district, far and near, had come to the Collectorate to meet officials and present petitions seeking solution to various grievances, personal and civic problems. A number of senior citizens were also there to seek help of officials to get the old age pension. 

Arumugham, the 57-year old godman, came to the collectorate and caused a flutter when he attempted to place his footwear on the head of the Salem Collector Rohini Ramadas a strange practice he was following to bless people, police said.

The incident occurred during the weekly grievances day meeting presided over by Rohini at the collectorate in Salem. 

As Rohini and other officials were receiving petitions from the public, Arumugham jumped the queue, approached the Collector and attempted to place one of his chappals on her head.

She, however, moved away and avoiding contact with the chappal of the godman, police said. 

Arumugham then tried to repeat the act with District Revenue Officer R Sukumaran before other officials present at the spot whisked him away and handed him over to police. 

According to preliminary enquiry, Arumugham, hailing from Kachanachampatti in Rasipuram in Salem district, is a self-proclaimed ‘Chappal Siddhar’. 

Placing the chappal on the head was his way of blessing his followers, police said adding further investigations are on into the ‘Chappal Siddhar’s’ act.