Thiruvananthapuram: An employee has been suspended pending investigation on a complaint of consuming meat on the Mathilakam office premises of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

Tantri Tharananallur Namboothiripad and Kavadiyar Palace authorities have expressed displeasure in this regard.

It was alleged that an employee on the driver's post had eaten chicken biryani with other employees on Monday afternoon. The unclear video footage of this was circulated on social media. At first, the allegations were centered around the officials. Only later the employee was zeroed in.

Earlier, a separate place was allotted to the employees of the temple office for eating. CCTV has also been installed here. It is alleged that non-vegetarian food was consumed regularly from the room.

The new governing body and officials, including the Executive Officer, had questioned this practice. However, as it did not rise to the level of complaint, there was no restriction imposed.

The Tantri has advised everyone concerned to avoid non-vegetarian food in any place related to the temple. Officials informed that the governing body will discuss and decide on the measures in this regard.

Meanwhile, Vishwa Hindu Parishad district committee demanded action on the incident of eating meat in the office of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.