A Hindu outfit has sought a judicial inquiry into alleged irregularities in the administration of the Arulmigu Ratnagiri Kumarakadavul Temple at Saravanampatti in Coimbatore and demanded action against officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.

In a petition submitted to the State government, the Chandikeswara Nayanar Narpani Sangam alleged that substantial funds had been collected for renovation works and the consecration ceremony held at the temple about 15 months ago, but details of the income and expenditure had not been disclosed to devotees.

The outfit further alleged that despite a devotee obtaining orders from the Madras High Court seeking action on the alleged irregularities, no follow-up action had been taken by the HR&CE Department.

The petition also alleged that temple priest D. Sreekanth, who had been staying on the temple premises, was asked to vacate his room following oral instructions from HR&CE authorities. During a subsequent inspection of the room, officials allegedly took possession of a silver spear (vel) used by the priest for personal worship.

Claiming that the priest had been subjected to hardship, the outfit sought the return of the silver spear and requested the State government to order an inquiry into the allegations relating to the temple’s administration and finances.