Man held for using duplicate keys to allow devotees worship at Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai

A 38-year-old man was arrested for using duplicate keys to take devotees to worship at Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai on Thursday.

Police said that the arrested person was identified as N. Saranraj, a resident of Vengaikaal in Tiruvannamalai Corporation. He was working as a tourist guide in the area. Initial inquiry revealed that Saranraj used to take devotees, especially those from faraway places, to temples and ashrams in the town. He also guides tourists to visit Arunachaleswarar temple, especially during weekends.

Police said that Saranraj managed to get a duplicate key of the western entrance of the temple to reach the sanctum sanctorum directly. He opened the gate using the duplicate key and guided a small group of devotees for worship.

Police said temple authorities, who were monitoring CCTV cameras at the control room in the temple, saw the footage and informed senior temple officials. Based on a complaint, the Tiruvannamalai town police registered a case. The arrested person was lodged at a sub-jail in the town. Further probe is under way.