Murder-charge cleric denied bail

Prosecutors said the seer might try to suppress evidence

A top Hindu cleric charged with murdering a worker at his temple in India's southern Tamil Nadu state has been refused bail.

Prosecutors told the High Court in Madras (Chennai) that Jayendra Saraswathi might attempt to suppress evidence if released.

The cleric, who heads one of the five seats of Hinduism in India, was detained four weeks ago.

The case has gripped India, with the seer's followers furious at his arrest.

'Misdemeanours'

Jayendra Saraswathi is accused of murder, conspiracy and suppression of evidence over the death of the temple official, Sankararaman, in September.

Profile: Jayendra Saraswathi

Sankararaman was reportedly writing anonymous letters charging the cleric with various misdemeanours.

They included embezzlement of gold procured for making a temple chariot and providing lavish lifestyles for the seer's relatives.

Jayendra Saraswathi, also known as the Shankaracharya of Kanchi, has also been charged with allegedly ordering an attack on a former devotee two years ago.

His arrest outraged supporters. Some have launched hunger strikes and taken part in violent protests across the country.

India's main opposition, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, has demanded his case be heard outside Tamil Nadu to ensure justice.

The Supreme Court has rejected a petition from a BJP politician seeking an investigation into the circumstances of the seer's arrest.