Private Temple Priest Arrested for Alleged Murder of Woman Devotee in Salem

By Express News Service

SALEM: A 42-year-old private temple priest from Perumampatti near Sivathapuram in Salem, V Kumar, was apprehended on Saturday on charges of murdering a woman devotee. The victim, identified as Selvi, aged 28, was allegedly killed by the priest after she rejected his advancements for a physical relationship. Police suspect that fearing exposure of his misconduct, Kumar spiked Selvi’s soft drink, leading to her untimely demise.

Kumar, who had constructed the Periyandichi Amman Temple on his farmland two decades ago, also worked as the priest of the temple. The shocking incident came to light when Selvi, along with her husband V Pasuvaraj, reported her missing after she failed to return from a supposed visit to a friend in Elampillai, Salem district. As her mobile phone remained unreachable, Pasuvaraj, who resides in Bangalore, lodged a complaint at the Tharamangalam police station on Thursday.

Upon receiving the complaint, the police launched a thorough investigation and eventually discovered Selvi’s lifeless body concealed in a bush near the temple owned by Kumar. Further questioning and evidence gathering revealed that Selvi had been frequenting the temple for over a week, offering prayers in hopes of conceiving a child. Subsequently, the authorities arrested Kumar on Saturday under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to murder charges.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as Selvi’s tragic end highlights the vulnerability of devotees and the need for increased security measures at places of worship. The temple, once a symbol of faith and solace, has now become a site of grief and mourning for Selvi’s grieving family and the local residents.

Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any additional information that could aid in the investigation and ensure justice for Selvi. The police have assured a thorough and impartial investigation to uncover the truth behind this heinous crime.