If you are referring to the temple robbery reported near Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district, the incident was much more serious than a routine hundi theft. It involved an alleged break-in at the Nachadai Thavirtharuliya Nathar Temple at Devadanam, where the temple’s hundi was broken open and cash was stolen. Two security guards were also found murdered.
What happened?
The incident came to light on the morning of 11 November 2025. A guard arriving for the morning shift reportedly found the two night-duty guards lying injured near the temple premises. They had suffered serious cut injuries and were subsequently declared dead.
The deceased were identified in reports as Pechimuthu and Sankarapandian, who were working as security guards at the temple. Different reports gave different ages for the victims, so those figures should be verified before publication.
Hundi broken open
Police found that the temple’s hundi (donation box) had been broken open and cash was missing. Investigators suspected that the guards may have confronted the intruders while attempting to prevent the theft.
The incident was therefore investigated as a suspected robbery linked to the deaths of the two guards, rather than simply as a case of property theft.
CCTV footage examined
The temple’s surveillance system also became an important part of the investigation. Reports said that some CCTV cameras had been damaged and the DVR was taken, apparently to prevent investigators from accessing recorded footage. Police and forensic teams examined the scene and worked to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Police investigation
Senior police officials, including the Madurai Range Deputy Inspector General and Virudhunagar Superintendent of Police, visited the location and reviewed the investigation. Police formed special teams to trace those responsible and questioned several people during the initial investigation.
Police also used forensic methods and other evidence-gathering measures at the scene. The bodies were sent to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.
Arrest and investigation
Subsequent reporting identified a suspect as Nagarajan, who was taken into custody after police pursued him. India Today reported that police said he attempted to flee during the arrest operation and was shot in the leg before being apprehended. This should be presented as the police version of events, rather than as a judicial finding of guilt.
Security concerns
The incident raised serious concerns about security at temples, particularly those containing cash offerings. The reported damage to CCTV equipment and removal of the recording system highlighted the importance of continuous surveillance, secure hundi arrangements, adequate night security and prompt monitoring of temple premises.