Shrine authorities issue eviction notice to shops

However, the shopkeepers refused to shift their shops out of the temple unless alternate space is provided. Following this, the time was extended until 11 am on Thursday. Addressing the media, S Rajanagalu, president of the Temple Shopkeepers Association, said the shops are functioning inside the temple for over three generations and they never intended to destroy the traditional features of the temple. He also said that in the fire, 19 shops were destroyed and property worth Rs 10 to 20 lakh damaged. 

On whether lighting camphor caused the fire, Rajanagalu said the problem in wiring sparked it. 

Even they were not allowed to see their damaged shops. Despite that they are not adamant to remain inside the Temple. 

If alternate space is provided to the shopkeepers they are ready to move but without proper alternate space they will not move out said Rajanagalu. 

When asked whether lighting camphor was the reason behind the fire accident Rajanagalu said that problem in wiring was the reason and not camphor. 

The entire wiring was done by Meenakshi Amman temple authorities and even if there is a small repair, the temple officials would be informed and the repair would be done by the temple workers alone, said Rajanagalu. If alternate space is provided to the shopkeepers they are ready to move out but without proper alternate space they won’t, said Rajanagalu.