Public outcry against locking of temple

TIRUPUR: Residents of Muniappan Kovil Street and Lakshmi Nagar, on Thursday, petitioned the district administration to reopen a locked temple in their area. The temple was allegedly locked by officials in favour of private parties.According to sources, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) officials, on Wednesday night, tried to remove the Vinayagar temple on P N Road belonging to the Pichampalayam Mariamman Kovil administration, to created a path through the temple land. However, locals gathered at the temple and protested, after which it was locked by officials.Residents said, “The officials want to make a path through the temple land to help a private garment manufacturing company, which needs it for transporting goods. Officials obtained permission from HR&CE department in the guise of promising to renovate the temple. They got sponsorship from the company.”  They said that the officials tried to remove the temple at night, without a public hearing and consulting the temple trustees.