The Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) is intensifying its probe into the suspected fraudulent registration of land valued at nearly Rs 100 crore linked to the historic Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani, Tamil Nadu. The investigation focuses on 1.40 acres of prime land at the base of the Palani temple on Park Road, owned by the Dhandapani Swamy Mutt Trust and managed by the temple administration under a court order.
Despite the land’s market worth of around Rs 100 crore and its recent conversion into a parking area for worshippers, it was allegedly registered in the names of two private individuals for just Rs 2 crore at the Palani Sub-Registrar’s Office. This registration sparked controversy as the land was under temple authority.
Following a complaint by temple land section superintendent Muruganandam, the police filed a case against several individuals, including former Palani Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan and others. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court invalidated the disputed registration, leading to the transfer of the case to the CB-CID for further investigation.
CB-CID teams have conducted searches in various districts and questioned five individuals, including temple officials and retired administrative officers, regarding the alleged land fraud. Investigators are also looking into the involvement of additional individuals and are set to question the suspected buyer and seller, who are reportedly on the run.
