After the videos went viral, Devanathan went into hiding but eventually surrendered to the Kanchipuram Judicial Magistrate on November 16, 2009 , after the Madras High Court rejected his anticipatory bail.
An investigation into the MMS scandal has been launched, with authorities working to determine the authenticity of the video and potential implications for Devanathan.
The police filed a comprehensive case against him, incorporating several severe charges:
The legal battle lasted several years. In 2009, a trial court in Kanchipuram sentenced Devanathan to after finding him guilty under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including rape and criminal intimidation. kanchipuram priest devanathan mms scandal free
Misusing his position of religious authority to exploit women.
| Source | Result | |--------|--------| | Tamil Nadu Police Cyber Crime Wing | No FIR or complaint involving "Priest Devanathan" and MMS | | Kanchipuram District Court | No pending cases | | HR&CE Department (Chennai) | No suspension or dismissal of any Devanathan for moral turpitude | | Major news archives (2015–2026) | No mention of such scandal | | Fact-checking platforms (Alt News, Boom Live, Vishvas News) | No debunking because no claim was ever verified |
The Kanchipuram priest Devanathan MMS scandal has had significant repercussions on the community. Many devotees and followers of Devanathan have expressed shock and disappointment, questioning his actions and character. After the videos went viral, Devanathan went into
The technician downloaded the files, which subsequently spread rapidly across Multimedia Messaging Services (MMS) and early online video-sharing platforms.
Social media acted as a massive amplifier for the controversy, transforming a local disciplinary issue into a statewide debate. The online discussion quickly split into several distinct viewpoints:
If you want to focus on the and police actions. In 2009, a trial court in Kanchipuram sentenced
As a respected spiritual leader, Devanathan has been associated with the famous Kanchipuram temple, known for its rich history and cultural significance. While there may be unfounded rumors and speculation circulating online, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight Devanathan's commitment to his faith and his community.
His undoing came when his mobile phone developed a technical snag. Devanathan reportedly gave his phone to a shop for repairs. A technician at the shop downloaded the explicit content and subsequently leaked it. The explicit scenes quickly spread via MMS and the internet, becoming a public sensation in the town and even reaching foreign shores. The priest’s own attempt at documentation led directly to his downfall.
, I can explore how such stories are covered today.
: The incident sparked debates about the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department's oversight of temple staff.