VILLUPURAM: Tension gripped the Kaman Temple festival after three men in an inebriated condition, including a man and his son, interrupted a procession carrying the deity’s wooden idol and set it afire at Ayandhur near Thirukovilur late on Sunday. All the three were later arrested.
As a part of the annual festival in the month of Chithirai, the villagers organised the 20-day poojas to the deity, Manmadhan. On the last day, the idol was taken out in a procession.
Huge crowds had thronged for the procession, when an intoxicated Selvam (62) entered the place to worship the idol. Soon some men pushed him down alleging that he was blocking their view.
Irked by the ill-treatment of his father, Raja and his friend Janarthanan threatened the crowd with scythes and set the idol on fire. Both, who were under the influence of alcohol, claimed the procession should not be held after humiliating his father.
Kanai Police rushed to the spot and arrested the trio. Investigations are on.