Mandya, June 19 -- Six individuals, including the chief priest of the historic Yoganarasimha Swamy Temple in Melukote, have been suspended in connection with a 'hundi' theft case, officials said.

The suspension orders were issued by the temple's Executive Officer, Sheela, following a directive from the Deputy Commissioner citing dereliction of duty.

Those suspended have been identified as Narayana Bhat (Chief Priest), Sheedhar (Parupathegar), Thiruvenkatachar (Paricharaka), Gangadhar (Guard), Basavaraju (Guard), and Kasturi Srinivasan (Maneegar).

The incident reportedly took place on January 11.

Following the theft, Executive Officer Sheela filed a complaint against the six individuals in June, after which a case was registered at the...