Police in Tiruchirappalli booked DMK functionary M Ramkumar this week after an FIR filed by Sivaramakumar, the Joint Commissioner of the Arulmigu Aranganatha Swamy Temple, alleged that Ramkumar forged documents to register 7,515 square feet of temple land in December 2022. NEWPAR The FIR names six other accused, including Padma Rengarajan and Vijaya Krishnasamy, who allegedly sold the parcel for ₹1.45 crore and later claimed shares at ₹72.5 lakh, inflating the value to ₹2.9 crore across three sale deeds. NEWPAR Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister S Ramesh slammed the DMK functionary, saying the poll camp office sits on illegally registered land and hinted at possible involvement of a former HR‑CE minister. NEWPAR Ramkumar has denied all charges, stating a case is already pending before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, where a hearing is scheduled for late June. NEWPAR The temple administration fears the scam could undermine public trust, as a government hospital currently operates on a 5‑acre plot leased from the temple.