Sat Jan 04 07:00:38 UTC 2025: ## Man Arrested for Setting Fire to Temple Floor in Tenkasi
**Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu –** A 31-year-old man, identified as Anantha Balan, was arrested on Saturday for setting fire to the floor in front of the Sri Kasi Viswanathar temple in Tenkasi. Balan, described by police as mentally unstable, poured approximately 10 liters of petrol onto the temple grounds and ignited it around 8:00 a.m. The incident occurred during the ongoing Maargazhi celebrations, causing chaos and panic among devotees and temple workers.
The fire, which spread across the area where devotees had created traditional kolams, was extinguished with the help of temple staff and bystanders who also apprehended Balan before handing him over to police. A police team, led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Thamizh Iniyan, responded quickly and is currently investigating the incident. Police sources report that Balan’s statements suggest possible mental health issues, and he reportedly spoke of retrieving bones.
The incident occurred while renovation work is underway at the temple in preparation for the upcoming kumbabhishekam ceremony. Devotees have appealed for increased police presence to prevent future incidents. The investigation continues.
First Piper 