It is said, Rathinavel was serving as Superintendent of Sri Samayapuram Mariamman Temple in the period between 2010 and 2012. During this period, various renovations works including gold plating of the gopurams was undertaken. However, there were allegations raised against the works after the work and the officials conducted an elaborate inquiry in which Rathinavel found to be involved in a series of irregularities.

However, by the time, Rathinavel got promoted as Assistant Commissioner and was posted at Nagapattinam district. Later, he was transferred to Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam.

Based on the allegations, the HR&CE commissioner had issued the suspension order to Rathinavel a day before his retirement on July 31.  It may be recalled that Coimbatore Joint Commissioner (HR&CE) Elamparithy was also suspended on the same complaint six months back. 

Elamparithy was the Assistant Commissioner of Samayapuram Sri Mariamman Temple. He too was suspended on the eve of his retirement.

Meanwhile, the HR&CE Additional Commissioner M Kavitha, who was arrested on July 29 by idol wing police for misappropriation of funds collected for buying gold to make idols, had reportedly developed health complications on Wednesday night and was admitted to Tiruchy GH.