Kanchipuram Priest Devanathan — Mms Scandal _verified_ Free

While he was cleared of the rape charges, the scandal permanently tarnished his reputation and led to his removal from all temple duties. Impact on Temple Governance

Stricter codes of conduct for priests and employees under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.

Misusing his position of religious authority to exploit women. kanchipuram priest devanathan mms scandal free

Devanathan appealed the conviction in the Madras High Court.

Following the public outcry, Devanathan was arrested by the Tamil Nadu police. The investigation expanded to include allegations of: While he was cleared of the rape charges,

Allegations that some victims were coerced or filmed without consent. Trial and Verdict

The legal battle lasted several years. In 2009, a trial court in Kanchipuram sentenced Devanathan to after finding him guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including rape and criminal intimidation. Devanathan appealed the conviction in the Madras High Court

In 2003, a series of video clips—then circulated via MMS and CDs—purportedly showed Devanathan, a prominent priest, engaging in sexual acts with various women inside the temple premises. The scandal sparked widespread outrage, leading to violent protests in Kanchipuram and calls for stricter oversight of temple administration. Legal Proceedings and Arrest