The QR-code based security system will be provided to all the temple idols in Tamil Nadu. (Photo: PTI)

Tamil Nadu to use QR code-based system to prevent smuggling of temple idols

A QR code-based security system is going to be launched by the Tamil Nadu government to prevent the smuggling of temple idols across the state. After the introduction of the new system, the location of the temple idols can be traced in case they go missing.

by · India Today

In Short

  • QR code based security system to be completed in six months
  • Temple idols' locations can be traced if missing after installation of new system
  • MK Stalin held a separate review meeting regarding security of temple idols

The Tamil Nadu government is set to introduce a QR code-based security system to prevent the smuggling of temple idols across the state.

Informing about the government's decision, Tamil Nadu Minister PK Sekar Babu said that the process of giving a QR-code-based security system to temple idols is currently underway and is likely to be completed in six months.

After the exercise, the idols will be under monitoring by Tamil Nadu Police and their location can be traced in case they go missing, Sekar said.

"The Chief Minister (MK Stalin) held a separate review meeting regarding this issue. The valuable idols will be given QR codes and if they go missing, their location can be traced by the police headquarters. This work is already underway. Once the work is completed, if any idol goes missing, it can immediately be traced and retrieved. The process is expected to get over in 6 months," Sekar Babu said while speaking to reporters in Chennai.

"We will take action to ensure that the idols which we have retrieved so far will be re-installed in the respective temple it belongs to after verification of documents,” he added.

Referring to the mega spiritual event of Soorasamharam in Tamil Nadu, which marked the culmination of the annual Kandha Sashti festival at the temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, Babu said the event at Tiruchendur attracted over eight lakh devotees.

"Those who participated in the Soorasamharam (signifying the triumph of good over evil by enacting the slaying of the demon Surapadman by Lord Subrahmanya) event held in Tiruchendur on Thursday appreciated the arrangements made for the festival," Babu said.