9 held for attack on 3 priests

CUDDALORE: Amid confusion and allegations haunting the Devanathasamy Temple and the Bhattacharyars at Thiruvanthipuram near Cuddalore following Thursday’s attack on three priests, the police have arrested nine persons in connection with the case.It is said that the three priests have refused to accept the HR&CE department order’s to conduct poojas at the temple. According to sources, Neelamegan Bhattacharya (85) who was a priest at the Devanathasamy Temple for more than 50 years was recently asked to retire, citing his age.  Following this, his son Narashiman Bhattacharya and his heir Venkatakrishnan were chosen as the temple priests. The HR&CE Department placed these two priests under suspension on Thursday acting on “some complaints against them” and brought three priests from another temple on Thursday night. However, their car was blocked and attacked allegedly by supporters of Narashiman Bhattacharya.Speaking to Express, priest Kannan Bhattacharya said, “The kumbhabhishekam was planned three years ago. But, the HR&CE Department did not make arrangements for it. Hence, we initiated work by approaching VIPs for help. The present HR&CE administration does not co-operate with us. The previous executive officer (EO), Venkatakrishnan was transferred two weeks ago.” He said the problems cropped up from the issue of who will chant the mantara pushpam during the kumbabishekam, scheduled for April 25.