Padmanabha temple's green channel accessed by goons?

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 1: Looks like local goons yield considerable clout even in god's abode. The fact was substantiated when a goon entered the famed Padmanabha temple in Kerala through an entry point meant for temple officials. The temple is in the limelight for the massive treasure trove unearthed from there recently, estimated to be worth Rs 1 lakh crore.

Security was beefed up following the unearthing of the treasure trove but the police officials are receiving flak for allowing the entry to goonda Om Prakash through the channel meant for temple officials. Security agencies have now decided to impose restrictions at the entry point.

Additional Director General of Police, Venugopal K. Nair has been quoted as saying, "This person is a devotee who has been visiting the temple regularly over last many years. Apparently he has friendly relations with some temple officials and seems to have utilised one of them to go inside the temple."

The goonda in the news was named the main accused in the Paul Muthoot murder case and many other criminal cases that had shocked the state. Om Prakash apparently entered the hi-secure temple premises accompanied by temple officials and used the channel meant for temple personnel to carry materials used for temple rituals.

Nair also commented on the security arrangements, "This is a unique security arrangement. We are doing our best to ensure that worshippers do not face any problem. But at the same time it is our duty to see that no one takes advantage of the situation."

OneIndia News