A priest of a 1000-year-old temple has alleged threat to his life and urged the district administration to give him protection.

According to N. Karuppasamy, priest of the Santhana Karupparayasami temple near Rasipalayam, one Thangaraj had reportedly illegally bought the Panchami lands close to the temple.

“Thangaraj, who owns a department store near the temple, has been constantly trying to clear the temple from the area. Recently, he along with his family members and friends, damaged the road leading to the temple. When I questioned them they threatened to kill me and my family,” Karuppasamy complained.

He alleged that Thangaraj was trying to prevent him from performing special pujas in the temple. “He has also blocked the road that leads to the temple,” Karuppasamy added.

Karuppasamy submitted a petition with the District Administration today seeking protection. A copy was also forwarded to the Chief Minister’s cell and Sulur Police.