Following the unearthing of alleged irregularities to the tune of ₹3.40 crore in the distribution of prasadam laddus at the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, six employees have been suspended.During the 2023-24 financial year, a scheme to provide free laddu as prasadam to devotees was introduced at the temple, which receives thousands of worshippers every day. However, complaints emerged alleging irregularities in the distribution of the religious offering.An inquiry was initiated by the temple Joint Commissioner Chelladurai.The findings revealed that K. Panchamoorthi, a Junior Assistant, who served as the officer-in-charge of temple prasadam production and sales, was allegedly siphoning money by reducing the count of free laddus intended for devotees and instead selling them at the counters. Further, raw materials were purchased in bulk from outside to illegally produce laddus, which were then sold at the counters.Between 2023 and February 2026, a total of 11,40,000 laddus were produced illegally and sold to devotees for cash, temple sources said. The accounts indicated point to a fraudulent sale amounting to ₹3.40 crore.Following the audit, Mr. Chelladurai ordered the suspension of six employees allegedly involved in the fraud — Junior Assistants Panchamoorthi, Lavanya, and Ambika; ticket seller Selvi; maid Sivaneswari; and cleaning staff Vikram. Additionally, three temporary workers were dismissed. Published - May 16, 2026 12:21 am IST