Union minister of state L Murugan visited the Thiruparankundram MurUGan Temple. Police permitted only five individuals to accompany him, leading to a heated exchange. He alleged that ‘unwanted activities’ were taking place on the sacred site for Hindus. He urged the Tamil Nadu government and police to take immediate action and arrest those responsible for the activities. He also demanded that the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department make arrangements to conduct the Karthigai Deepam festival atop the hill. He criticised the recent police action against Hindu leaders, stating that they were being arrested simply for raising their voices on the issue. The brief standoff caused tension in the area before he proceeded with the visit. He later climbed the hill to offer prayers at the Kasi Viswanathar shrine. The minister further emphasised that Thir uparankondram is a Shaivite shrine and opposed any form of animal sacrifice in the region.
