Media Release

Kadaba, Dec 8: An incident of intimidation occurred at Kukke Subramanya Temple when a shopkeeper allegedly obstructed temple staff during the removal of an encroaching shop.

At Adi Subramanya, the temple authorities lease shops for a period of 12 months. Some of these shops, however, had exceeded their lease period and were conducting business on the footpath without paying rent, causing inconvenience to devotees. Complaints were lodged with the temple officials regarding the obstruction caused to devotees.

According to sources, when the temple’s Sibandi Mahesh was sent to inspect the encroaching shop, the shop owner, Yallappa Bhandari, allegedly interfered with the officer’s duties. It is also reported that he allegedly made threatening calls through Mariyappa Bhandari.

Following the complaints, E E O Yesuraj and the temple Sibandi arrived at the site immediately, inspected the shop shutters, and directed that the premises be cleared by evening. The authorities emphasized that strict action would be taken against shops encroaching on temple premises to ensure smooth movement for devotees.