Aghori presence at local body office in Tiruppur triggers row

The Commissioner of Kangeyam Municipality S Venkateswaran refuted allegations that two ascetics, believed be of aghori sect, performed rituals in the local body’s office recently.
‘Aghori’ dance being performed by artistes from Uttar Pradesh in Cuttack used for representative purpose only. (File photo)
‘Aghori’ dance being performed by artistes from Uttar Pradesh in Cuttack used for representative purpose only. (File photo)

TIRUPPUR: The Commissioner of Kangeyam Municipality S Venkateswaran refuted allegations that two ascetics, believed be of aghori sect, performed rituals in the local body’s office recently. The issue came to light on Sunday when members of Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) staged a protest on the issue.

The president of Tiruppur unit of DVK Mukil Rasu told TNIE, “On April 13, two aghoris entered the Kangeyam municipality office and walked into every room in the building. The aghoris entered the office of Municipality Commissioner S Venkateswaran where he and other staff took blessings from them. After spending several minutes, the staff performed some prayers. Such actions in government offices are highly condemnable. We received photographs only now. Also, we received information that female employees ran out of the office after seeing the aghoris, who were naked.”

Venkestwaran said the allegations are baseless and have been made with the intention to tarnish the image of the public office. Venkestwaran told TNIE, “Two aghoris stopped their car in front of the municipality office that day. They were travelling towards Rameswaran and couldn’t find the route. So, they sought help from locals, but couldn’t understand Tamil language.

The locals directed them inside our office. As they entered the building, staff immediately brought the two in front of me. Shocked by their nakedness, I requested them to leave the premises immediately, but they refused and demanded food. I gave them money and told the staff to move them out of the premises. As they were leaving, the two blessed the staff. Few staff fell on their foot and took photographs.

“The incident occurred around 9.30 am and no female employee was present in the building. No prayers or pujas were conducted in the premises. The entry of the aghoris was illegal and officials did not allow them inside,' he added.

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