Two night watchmen at a temple near Rajapalayam were found brutally murdered early Tuesday, triggering shock and political outrage across Tamil Nadu. The killings occurred inside the Nachadai Thavirtharuliya Swamy Temple, which falls under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.

The victims, identified as Pechimuthu (60) and Sankara Pandian (50), were discovered dead with deep cut injuries. Police believe the attack was linked to an attempted robbery, as the temple hundi appeared forced open and the premises showed signs of a break-in.

Morning Discovery and Initial Findings

The crime came to light when Madasamy, a fellow guard who worked the previous day shift, arrived in the morning and noticed the small side gate near the main entrance left ajar. On entering, he found his colleagues lying in blood. He immediately informed temple officials, who called the police.

Forensic experts and sniffer dogs were deployed to the temple. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage, though officials said the recording system’s DVR was missing, likely taken by the culprits to erase evidence. The bodies were later sent to a government hospital for autopsy, while families of the victims staged a protest demanding immediate arrests.

A senior officer at the scene said, “It’s a clear case of murder and robbery breaking open the temple collection box.”

Political Outrage and Accusations

The double murder drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who blamed the state government for failing to maintain law and order.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran said on X, “There is no law and order even on paper. The killing of guards at a temple under HR&CE control exposes the DMK government’s negligence and anti-Hindu attitude.”

He also alleged that “temples have become unsafe due to the government’s indifference” and demanded that the Home Department ensure a fair and transparent probe.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami called the killings “shocking,” saying the murders reflected the deteriorating law and order in the state.

Meanwhile, BJP state chief K. Annamalai questioned why there were no night patrols near the temple, remarking that criminals had a “free hand under the DMK regime.” He urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to deliver justice and financial relief for the victims’ families.

Investigation Underway

Police have formed multiple teams to trace the killers, suspecting that the guards may have tried to resist the robbers. The temple is now under heightened security, and district officials have assured that the culprits will be caught soon.