Chennai, July 29: The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID) has arrested four individuals in connection with an alleged fraudulent transfer of land valued at approximately ₹100 crores linked to the famous Palani Temple in Dindigul district.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Vellathurai, Anvaradeen, Murugados, and Setupati.
According to investigators, these four individuals are accused of illegally obtaining ownership of the temple’s valuable land through forged documents, violating existing court orders.
This case pertains to a portion of land associated with the Dandapani Swami Mutt, located on Park Road at the base of the Palani Temple.
Despite legal orders from the court, the land, worth nearly ₹100 crores, was allegedly transferred to private individuals using counterfeit documents.
The fraudulent activity came to light following a complaint, prompting the CBCID to initiate a comprehensive investigation.
During the inquiry, the agency examined the roles of several individuals, including Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan, Murugados linked to the temple trust, Vellathurai from Pappankulam in the Udumalaipet area of Tiruppur district, and Setupati from Palani, along with officials from the temple administration, revenue department, and registration department.
Investigators are looking into whether government officials aided in the illegal transfer of temple property or overlooked the matter.
CBCID officials reported that they have questioned 82 individuals so far, including parties involved in the court case, document registration officers, sellers, beneficiaries of the land transactions, witnesses, brokers, clerks, and administrative staff.
They have also gathered both documentary and oral evidence related to the alleged conspiracy and transfer of land ownership.
Initially, a case was registered against the four main accused. However, after solid evidence emerged during the investigation, the CBCID formally arrested Vellathurai, Anvaradeen, Murugados, and Setupati on Wednesday.
It is expected that the four suspects will be presented in the relevant court soon.
Meanwhile, the CBCID has stated that the investigation is ongoing. The agency is trying to determine if any other individuals, including government officials, were involved in the alleged land grab and document forgery.
As the investigation progresses, further arrests cannot be ruled out.
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