Sthapathi case shifted to CB-CID, custody plea withdrawn

The chief Sthapathi Muthiah (77) and the former HR and CE official KK Raja (66) were arrested by the idol wing police for manipulating the casting of idol to replace the ‘navabhashana’ presiding deity at Dhandayuthapani Swami temple, Palani in 2004 and were lodged in the Tiruchy Central prison. 

Since their judicial custody was over on Monday, they were produced before the Kumbakonam Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate court for the extension of their judicial custody. 

Meanwhile, at 2.30 pm, the investigating officer DSP (Idol Wing) Karunakaran moved a petition seeking police custody for a detailed investigation with the duo. However, the Magistrate posted the case to 3 30 pm for hearing. 

In the meantime, the information of transfer of the case to the CB-CID was received by the Idol wing police and so the DSP Karunakaran withdrew the petition for police custody. At the same time, the court did not receive any formal information about the transfer of the case till 5 pm, so the magistrate posted the case to Tuesday.