Man held for using duplicate keys to allow devotees to worship at Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai

The incident was noticed by the temple authorities who were monitoring the CCTV cameras. | Photo credit: VENKATACHALAPATHY C

A 38-year-old man was arrested for using duplicate keys to take devotees to worship at the Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai on Thursday.

Police said the arrested person has been identified as N. Saranraj, a resident of Vengaikaal in Tiruvannamalai Corporation. He worked as a tourist guide in the area. Initial investigations revealed that Saranraj was taking devotees, especially those from distant places, to temples and ashrams in the city. It also leads tourists to visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple, especially on weekends.

Police said Saranraj was able to get a duplicate key of the west entrance of the temple to enter the sanctum sanctorum directly. He opened the gate with a duplicate key and led a small group of devotees in worship.

Police said the temple authorities, who were monitoring the CCTV cameras in the control room at the temple, saw the footage and informed senior temple officials. The Tiruvannamalai city police registered a case based on the complaint. The arrested person was booked into a nearby jail in the city. Another probe is underway.

Published – 24 Jul 2026 01:00 IST