Muzrai dept to take over Sulvadi temple

Muzrai Minister P T Parameshwar Naik on Saturday said, the Kicchugutti Maramma temple in Sulvadi village in the taluk would be taken over by the Muzrai department.

Speaking to reporters here, the minister said, “A proposal has been submitted to the government by the local elected representatives and temple trustees requesting it to take over the temple. Kumaraswamy will soon pass an appropriate order in the regard.”

“The government has taken the temple tragedy issue seriously. The chief minister has already announced a compensation of Rs five lakh to the kin of the deceased. Muzrai department will take all necessary measures to ensure that such an incident does not repeat,” he assured.

As many as 17 devotees were killed and more than 100 people were hospitalised after they consumed poison-laced prasad at the temple last month. The police have arrested four persons including Immadi Mahadevaswamy, in the case.

Meanwhile, the Union government has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of the deceased. Chamarajanagara MP R Dhruvanarayan said, “The Centre has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the family members of the deceased in Sulvadi temple prasad case and Rs 50,000 to those who were treated at various hospitals in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar. The compensation will be directly remitted to the bank accounts of the affected families through the District Administration,” he said.