Relief for former HR-CE official in Palani idol case

The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Thursday provided relief to former Commissioner of HR&CE Dhanapal from arrests for one week in the Palani Murugan temple idol case. In the Murugan temple idol case, a sub-standard idol of Abishega Moorthy was made in 2004 and former HR&CE stapathi Muthiah was arrested along with former Joint Commissioner of the temple KK Raja.

During the third phase of investigation, two more former HR&CE officials, Pugazhendi and Deivendran were arrested. Though Dhanapal was summoned twice, he did not appear for the investigation following which he was declared absconding.

Idol wing sleuths had started searching Dhanapal after which Dhanapal filed petition seeking anticipatory bail in Madurai High Court.

When the petition was heard, on Thursday, the public prosecutor sought time to ask the government about the proceedings and to inform the court. Following that, the case was adjourned for one week and the police were directed not to arrest Dhanapal for a week.