Smugglers target ‘kalasams' of ancient temples in Pudukottai

PUDUKOTTAI: The police have arrested six persons and busted an attempt to steal the holy ‘kalasams' from the ‘rajagopuram' of the historical rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Kuduminathar at Kudumiyanmalai near Annavasal in the district.

The culprits had attempted to commit the theft with an ulterior motive of selling it to a broker for onward smuggling to foreign countries. The temple, considered the origin for the fundamental notes of Carnatic music, has been under the maintenance of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, P. Moorthy, Superintendent of Police, said that a special party has been formed to check similar attempts at the ancient abodes in the district.

Similar gangs

Interrogation revealed that a number of similar gangs operated in various villages in the district which accounted for a large number of ancient abodes. They adopted a mix of scientific and superstitious techniques to persuade the local villagers to get the ‘kalasam.'