Credit: India Today / NDTV / UNI (author: Deepthi Rao, J Sam Daniel Stalin) – Published Nov 11 2025
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples across Tamil Nadu, two temple guards were found brutally hacked to death inside a night-shift duty at a temple administered by the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) near Rajapalayam in the Virudhunagar district.
What happened
The victims, identified as Pechimuthu (60) and Sankara Pandian (50), were found with multiple cut injuries in the early morning hours when a third guard, returning for duty, discovered the scene.
The temple’s hundi (donation box) was found tampered with, suggesting attempted theft or break-in.
The smaller side gate near the main entrance of the temple was found ajar, indicating forced entry.
The bodies were shifted to the Rajapalayam Government Hospital for autopsy, and police forensic teams including sniffer dogs have been deployed.
Political fallout & law-and-order concerns
The incident has triggered uproar among Opposition parties, who claim it highlights a serious collapse in law-and-order in the state:
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu unit president accused the ruling government of grave negligence and even “anti-Hindu” bias in temple security.
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) also condemned the killings, saying temples and night-guards are not even safe under the current regime.
What this reveals
A temple premises under government department control should ideally be well-protected—yet two guards on night duty were murdered.
The attempted theft from the donation box suggests financial motivations combined with violent intent, further raising questions about security protocols.
The boldness of the act (breaking in, killing guards, tampering hundi) signals emboldened criminal elements and weak deterrence.
The political reaction underscores the sensitivity of temple-security and public safety in Tamil Nadu’s current law-and-order climate.
What needs to happen
Immediate arrests of the perpetrators and transparent investigation are essential to restore public confidence.
Review of security protocols for temples, especially at night shifts, including CCTV coverage, access control, guard training, and emergency response.
State government must address the broader perception of declining law-and-order and reassure citizens—including places of worship—of their safety.
Stakeholders (temple administrations, HR&CE Department, local police) must coordinate and implement stricter preventive measures for assets and staff on duty.
FAQ
Q1: Where did this incident occur?
It took place near Rajapalayam in the Virudhunagar district of Tamil Nadu.
Q2: Who were the victims?
The deceased were Pechimuthu (60) and Sankara Pandian (50), working as night guards at the temple.
Q3: What evidence suggests theft or robbery?
The donation box (hundi) of the temple was found tampered with and the side gate ajar, indicating a break-in.
Q4: What is the response from the opposition?
Opposition parties such as the BJP and AIADMK have strongly criticised the state government for a perceived lapse in law-and-order and temple security.
Q5: Has the police investigation begun?
Yes. Forensic teams, sniffer dogs, and CCTV reviews are underway to identify the culprits and gather evidence.
Q6: What are the key security concerns raised by this incident?
Major concerns include inadequate night-shift guard protection, insufficient access control to temple premises, lack of deterrence for theft and violence, and the need for stronger state oversight of religious institution security.
Published on : 11TH November
Published by : SARANYA
Source Credit ; Deepthi Rao
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