Madurai, July 20:
The Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) intensified its probe into the alleged ₹100-crore Palani temple land fraud case by conducting an extensive search at the residence of one of the accused in Villupuram district on Sunday.
A 10-member CB-CID team carried out a nearly 10-hour search operation at the house of Murugadas, the alleged seller and managing trustee linked to the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Mutt Trust in Palani. The search was conducted at his residence in Kamaraj Nagar near NGGO Colony, in coordination with local police.
Officials said the house was locked at the time of the raid and had to be opened in the absence of occupants. During the operation, investigators seized more than 50 documents, including land records, property deeds, bank passbooks, identity proofs such as Aadhaar and PAN cards, as well as a passport and other registration-related materials.
The CB-CID team also questioned residents in the locality regarding Murugadas’ real estate dealings and sought information about his family’s whereabouts. Following the search, the premises were sealed, and all seized materials were taken to Palani for further examination.
The case pertains to the alleged fraudulent registration and sale of 1.40 acres of land belonging to the Dhandayuthapani Swamy Mutt Trust, which is administered by the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple. The land, currently being used as a parking facility for devotees, was reportedly registered in favour of two individuals for ₹2 crore on July 6.
Initially registered by the Palani police, the case named former Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan, Murugadas, and two buyers as accused under charges including cheating and criminal conspiracy. In view of the seriousness of the allegations, the Tamil Nadu government later transferred the investigation to the CB-CID.
Further inquiries are underway as officials continue to examine the seized documents to uncover the extent of the alleged fraud and identify any additional individuals involved.