Report on alleged theft of idols at Srirangam temple submitted

Chennai

The report submitted is sequel to a direction passed by a division bench comprising Justice R Mahadevan and Justice P D Audikesavalu in August based on a case filed by Rangarajan Narasimhan of Tiruchy.

He had contended in his plea that several precious artefacts including idols, kalasams, sculptures and doors made of exotic wood were robbed.

He also alleged that some idols made of Gold were replaced and a few stone idols were missing. During the earlier hearing, HR&CE refuted the allegations and claimed in a counter that none of the artefacts listed by the petitioner had gone missing and that they have been kept safely at the 1,000 pillar mandapam inside the temple.

However, while the Idol Wing IGP AG Pon Manickavel informed the court that a preliminary conducted by his team had revealed cognisable offences, the bench directed the Idol Wing to hold a detailed inquiry and submit a report.

The bench on receipt of the report running to 25 pages, adjourned the case to November 1 after holding that suitable orders will be passed after perusing the report.