Investigation into Palani temple idol case begins | The Hindu

Led by Inspector General of Police (Idol Wing) A.G. Pon Manickavel, a special police team has begun investigating into the alleged conspiracy behind an attempt to replace the main idol of the Sri Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple in Palani 14 years ago. The IG also questioned the temple Executive Officer R. Selvaraj, Manager Uma Devi and Peshkar Murali.

The temple officials handed over the records and documents sought by the investigation team to the IG, who camped at the PWD guest house on Thursday morning.

Idol Wing Deputy Superintendent of Police Karunakaran and Inspector Karthi, who came to the temple town on Wednesday, met temple officials and began preliminary investigation. They also sought certain documents and written statements regarding the installation and the removal of the idol in 2004 from the officials.

The team reportedly checked the documents for any manipulation or forgery. Records relating to commissioning and removal of idol were also collected from officials, said the sources.

Former temple EO K.K. Raja had already told the team that gold had been collected from the Tiruthani temple for making the idol. The team also checked details of gold procured from various sources including donors and from other temples.

K.K. Raja, who was the temple Executive Officer and HR&CE Joint Commissioner at the time of installation of the idol and Sthapathi Muthaiah were recently arrested in connection with the case.

The 200-kg panchaloha idol of Lord Muruga was installed in the garbagraham of the Sri Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple on January 25, 2004, and removed on June 7, 2004.