Idol seizures: HC asks bizman Ranvir Shah to present proof of purchase

When the anticipatory bail pleas of Ranvir Shah and entrepreneur Kiran Rao, the owner of popular city café Amethyst, came up for hearing before Justice R Mahadevan and Justice PD Audikesavalu, the petitioners’ counsel submitted that there was no link between the alleged idol smuggling kingpin Deenadayalan and Shah as alleged.

The counsel contended that the businessman has been collecting antique idols from 1993, claiming that Shah had obtained certificates for them in 2008.

Following this, the court wanted to know the source from where the idols were purchased and directed Shah him to submit copies of the certificates, and posted the case to October 11 for further hearing.

Meanwhile at Kumbakonam, the Idol Wing refused to permit the advocates to appear on behalf of Shah, Rao, and 11 staff, who were summoned to appear before the police team on Tuesday. 

Instead, the 13 were asked to appear in person for the probe into the unearthing of dozens of idols and pillars, suspected to be antiques stolen from temples. The police team had converted the Kumbakonam modern control room where the accused were to appear. But even as they were waiting there from morning, it was Saravanan and Selvam, two advocates, who appeared on behalf of the persons who were summoned. They appealed to the police that Kumbakonam was too far to appear for inquiry, and requested to change the place to Chennai. 

The advocates also submitted a petition regarding this. However, rejecting the request, DSP Sundaram asked the 11 employees to appear only at Kumbakonam as directed in the summon. Later, Naren, one of the accused, appeared before the police for inquiry. Speaking to the media, the DSP said the accused would be summoned again, with strict instruction to appear before the Idol Wing team at Kumbakonam.