Madurai: Two workers at an Amma canteen in Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi district, have been suspended following complaints that idlis meant to be sold to customers at ₹1 each were diverted to private hotels. The action was taken against Ganga and Sangeeshwari after allegations that idlis prepared at the Amma canteen, located below the Kovilpatti municipal office, were being sold on the black market for ₹10 each.
Customer Complaints Spark Investigation
K Muthulakshmi, a regular customer at the canteen, said, “Idlis were not available within 30 minutes of the canteen opening.” Municipal officials inspected the canteen after the complaint and found lapses in food preparation and sale.
Workers' Explanation and Inquiry
S Murugan, vice-chairman of Kovilpatti municipality, stated that the two suspended workers provided an explanation during the inquiry. “Of the 1,200 idlis made at the Amma canteen here, only about 800 get sold on average daily,” he said, quoting the workers. The workers claimed that the remaining idlis were being supplied to poor families at the same ₹1 price since the Covid period.
“An inquiry is underway,” Murugan added, noting that CCTV footage from the Amma canteen is being examined to verify whether 70 to 80 idlis were sold in bulk as mentioned in complaints. “We have instructed all workers to follow standard instructions and avoid bulk parcel sales of idlis,” he added. A notice has since been posted at the canteen stating that parcels will not be issued during retail sale, and providing a phone number for complaints.
