Hindu Munnani flays shifting of idol theft cases to CBI

Speaking to reporters, Murganandam said that such cases should be investigated by Idol Wing IG Pon Manickavel as he was exposing several officials. It was unfortunate that the temple officials, who should be honest, themselves were involved in idol smuggling. 

Informing that the transfer of the cases to the CBI has led to several questions among the devotees, Muruganandam said it was up to devotees to ensure the protection of idols. In a bid to create awareness of this issue, the Hindu Munnani, in a novel action, has decided to petition the presiding deities in leading temples all over Tamil Nadu on August 19, he said.

Muruganandam said that around one lakh idols in various temples in the state, including 1,500 in Vellore district, would be placed in public places during the Vinayakar Chaturthi celebrations in September.

He said the Munnani would submit petitions to both Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam urging them to relax the stringent conditions, like getting permission from the pollution control board, fire service and land owner, to place Ganesha idols in public places.