HR&CE orders probe after pilgrim enters Arunachaleswarar Temple with pet dog

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has ordered an inquiry into an incident where a pilgrim was seen roaming inside Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai town with his pet dog last Sunday (June 29).

HR&CE officials said that the inquiry will investigate security lapses at three entry spots of the temple; staff deployed to screen devotees on the said day and how the devotee managed to evade elaborate security arrangements in the temple to take his pet dog. “A probe into the incident is underway. We are in the process of identifying staff, who were in-charge at the entry spot where the devotee entered into the temple. All CCTV footage is being analysed,” a HR&CE official told The Hindu.

A separate probe is also being carried out by district police as the temple has police personnel as part of its security arrangements. Initial inquiry revealed that it was on Sunday evening, when the temple witnessed heavy rush of pilgrims, a devotee from Chittoor (A.P.) managed to enter the temple with his pet dog through the main entrance at Rajagopuram of the temple. However, a few pilgrims noticed him with his dog and shot a video of it. They also uploaded the video on social media platforms, which resulted in public outcry.

HR&CE officials said that before the temple authorities could locate him, the devotee had left the temple premises. At present, the temple has around 100 CCTV cameras to monitor the movement of pilgrims. Devotees are allowed to enter through three gates into the temple. Each entrance has on average two temple staff and two police constables. Metal detectors and baggage scanners are also in place at the temple.

In June, a couple who was spotted eating egg biryani inside the temple was warned by the police. The temple authorities performed a special puja, following the incident.