Karkala: The Women empowerment and ministry of labour department raided the house of a Archak of Bandimutt Mooduganapathi temple, on receipt of information that he had illegally adopted a girl child.

The child has been taken into custody by the officials and now its been given to Udupi Santhekatte Adoption centre.

Gopinath Puranik, a archak at Mooduganapathi temple is said to be the accused in the case.

The archak couple have no children. Recently a few activists came to know about a boy who stays in their house studying in 7th standard. Few days back another girl child was found in his house.

Locals and activists enraged by these developments informed officials and the police too joined the women and child welfare department in carrying out the raid.

B K Narayana, President of Child Protection Unit had complained to the department regarding the issue. “Gopinath Puranik has been asked to provide the necessary documents by Saturday. Till then we cannot take any action on them. To adopt a child there are certain rules and online application is mandatory. Only those who are eligible will be allowed to adopt. Those who want to abandon the child must return the child to the adoption centre. One cannot adopt a child illegally”, he said.