Armed guards, CCTV cameras in all temples soon: Min Kota Srinivas

Mandya: The murderers of the three priests of the Arkeshwara temple will soon be arrested and prosecuted, said Muzrai Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary.

Poojary was speaking after visiting the temple, the priests’ families and giving them compensation cheques.

“The incident has brought pain to us. Whoever has done this will be prosecuted soon. The government is with the family of the deceased priests. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa had announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10,000 for the funeral. The Centre too has given Rs 20,000. I have delivered the compensation today. Widows’ pension would be provided to the wives of the deceased every month,” Poojary said.

“Disciplinary action will be taken against the officers for gross negligence of duty during the incident. The investigation will be initiated by the Muzrai Commissioner and action will be taken against the guilty. Rs 25 lakhs is provided to the Arkeshwara temple annually as the temple is classified as Grade B temple. We have received a proposal to transfer it to the Grade A list. Action on it will be taken soon,” he added.

“The security of all 34,000 temples under the Muzrai department in the State will be taken care of. A decision would be taken after discussing with the chief minister on the appointment of security guards, CCTV cameras and gunmen in all the temples,” Poojary said.