Madras HC directs Idol wing police to probe idol theft at Srirangam temple

The special division bench comprising Justice R Mahadevan and Justice PD Audikesavalu, directed Inspector-General of Police A G Pon Manickavel to undertake the investigation and submit a report.

The direction was based on a complaint made by Rangarajan Narasimhan about the thefts. He had contended through an affidavit that precious idols, doors made of exotic wood, kalasams, sculptures, granite pavements and other treasures have all been robbed. He said several complaints to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Department as well as the police had been made, but to no avail.

The bench also posted the anticipatory bail moved by N Thirumagal, Additional Commissioner, HR&CE, to be heard after six weeks on recording the undertaking given by the Idol Wing that it will not arrest her for now.

Thirumagal had approached the special bench apprehending arrest in connection with the FIR registered by the Idol Wing police regarding the misappropriation of 5.75 kg of gold obtained from devotees for making two new panchaloha idols for Kancheepuram Ekambaranathar Temple.

Another Additional Commissioner M Kavita who was arrested more than a week ago in connection with the same FIR was subsequently granted conditional bail.