Temple priest suspended for assaulting woman in TN

The administration of the famous Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram on Tuesday suspended a priest for three months a priest who allegedly assaulted and hurled slurs at a woman inside the temple premises last week.

Dharan, 29, is accused of misbehaving with a woman devotee who had come to offer prayers at the temple in Chidambaram, 210 km from here. Sources said Dharan has been suspended from his post for three months besides imposing a fine of Rs 5,000 on him.

The action by the temple administration came even as Dharan went into hiding since the incident that took place on Saturday evening. Dharan, the priest, has also been booked under 294(b), 323 and 4 of Women Harassment Act by the Chidambaram police.

The incident took place on Saturday when S Latha (51) went to the temple for a darshan along with her son, who was celebrating his birthday. An argument broke out between Dharan and Latha when she objected to the former’s action of breaking the coconut without performing any pooja.

Enraged at Latha’s words, Dharan not just hurled slurs but also slapped her, which was caught on video. The video went viral on social media which prompted the temple authorities to act against the priest.