Bribe for VIP darshan: Tamil Nadu minister goes in disguise, catches priests red-handed

CHENNAI: A Tamil Nadu minister personally visited a temple to catch those allegedly accepting bribes for VIP darshan. The incident took place at the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple, where Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister S Ramesh from the Vijay cabinet conducted a surprise inspection.

The minister had earlier received complaints that bribes were being collected for special darshan at the temple. Without informing local leaders or officials, he arrived disguised as an ordinary devotee, wearing a black T-shirt and a mask.

During the visit, temple priests allegedly demanded money from the minister’s aide for VIP darshan. The aide reportedly paid Rs 4,000 through GPay. Soon after, the priests realised that the visitor was the minister and submitted a written apology.

The minister later inspected the temple’s functioning and interacted with devotees regarding the facilities and the bribery allegations. He said explanations had been obtained from the priests and that further action would be taken soon.