Daijiworld Media Network – Chennai
Chennai, Jul 29: The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-CID (CB-CID) has arrested three persons in connection with an alleged land grab involving the famous Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple (Palani Murugan Temple) in Dindigul district.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly used forged documents to fraudulently register a prime temple-owned property, valued at around Rs 100 crore, in their names for just Rs 2 crore.
The disputed property is a parking area belonging to the Palani Murugan Temple, one of the most revered Hindu shrines in Tamil Nadu. The arrested accused have been identified as 60-year-old Vellaithurai from Pappankulam in Madathukulam taluk of Tiruppur district, 65-year-old Anwardeen from Goundankulam on ACC Road in Palani taluk of Dindigul district, and 56-year-old Murugadas from Kamarajar Nagar in Villupuram district.
The CB-CID has registered a case against the accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to cheating, forgery, use of forged documents and criminal conspiracy. The investigation is currently underway.
Following the alleged fraud coming to light, the Tamil Nadu government cancelled the registration of the disputed property. The sub-registrar who handled the registration process, Justin Manikandan, was also suspended.
Officials said the suspended officer was questioned by investigators as part of the probe to determine how the alleged forged documents were accepted and processed.
Separate probe into Madurai temple property case
In another case involving temple property, the Madurai Central Crime Branch has registered an FIR against 19 persons based on a complaint filed by the Joint Commissioner of the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.
The complaint alleges that the accused conspired to illegally transfer the lease rights of a valuable temple property in Chokkikulam, Madurai. Investigators have also alleged that illegal mortgage deeds and power of attorney documents were created as part of the alleged conspiracy.
Authorities said the property was originally donated to the temple through a registered will in 1930 for supporting religious and charitable activities. The probe is examining allegations of manipulation of revenue records and the possible involvement of officials.
Temple properties in Tamil Nadu are managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department. Allegations of illegal transfers and encroachments involving such properties often lead to criminal investigations, as these assets are intended for religious, charitable and public welfare purposes.