Temple EOs file petition to implead in idol case

Represented by its secretary K Arut Selvan and Kamaraj, executive officer, Pasupatheeswarar temple, Pandanallur, the plea on referring to the praises of Pon Manickavel by the High Court, submitted that every government servant is expected to be honest and upright and such observation has emboldened the said IG to accuse every other officer. 

Further, stating that suspecting every other government/board servant is avoidable, the impleading petition said that there are innumerable members of the society who maintain high rectitude and get honour to their positions just as the IG who is appreciated to be of impeccable character. 

Also, referring to the petitioner Venkatraman about six idols missing at Padanallur temple, which remained the basis for IG Pon Manickavel being roped into the probe, said the petitioner suffers from blame-worthy conduct and had not fairly disclosed before the Court that he is a tenant in respect of temple premises measuring 3.26 acres at Tarasuram on the State highway between Kumbakonam and Thanjavur and paying a rent of Rs 465 for the built up portion. 

Cash crops are raised and a meager rent of Rs 497 is paid per year by him even that is defaulted by him and as on June 30, 2018 he is due to pay Rs 58,376 and non-payment of rent for the past 20 years.