Temple administration can't be shifted to pvt organisations: O Panneerselvam
Madurai: Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Monday said that CBI investigation is not necessary for Meenakshi Amman temple fire accident.
Panneerselvam told this to reporters after inspecting the temple premises. Earlier in the morning, BJP national president H. Raja demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident. He also suspected criminal conspiracy behind the temple fire.
Tamil Maanila Congress leader G.K. Vasan also demanded thorough investigation in the incident.
Panneerselvam said if investigation proves that shops located inside the Veeravasantharayar Mandapam had caused the fire accident, then procedures would be followed to remove the shops from the temple.
He also clarified that it is not possible to shift the temple administration from Hindu religious and charitable endorsement department to private organisations due to this unfortunate incident. Temple safety committee will be formed in all temples to ensure such incidents don't occur in the future, he said.
When asked about the restoration of Veeravasantharayar Mandapam, damaged in Friday night's fire, he said that restoration work would be carried out within next six months following Agama Vidhi.
Panneerselvam also appreciated district collector Veera Raghava Rao for his swift action and the fire and rescue service personnel for putting out the fire within short duration.
Earlier, cooperation minister Sellur K. Raju and revenue minister R.P. Udayakumar, collector Veera Raghava Rao and temple officials accompanied him when he inspected the accident place.
