Madurai: S. Anwardeen, a 65-year-old advocate and one of the accused in the alleged fraudulent registration of Palani Mutt land, died late Friday night following health complications. Anwardeen had been lodged in Madurai Central Prison and was taken into custody by the CB-CID for three days in connection with the investigation. He was brought back to the prison on Friday evening after the custody period ended, following which his health deteriorated several hours later.
According to prison department sources, Anwardeen, a resident of Palani, had been lodged in Madurai Central Prison since July 29. He was suffering from paralysis and had difficulty moving, for which he had been provided a wheelchair. He had been kept in the prison hospital since his admission so that his medical condition could be monitored and treated.
The CB-CID is investigating the alleged fraudulent registration of Mutt land in Palani. After obtaining custody from the court, the agency took Anwardeen into its custody on August 6 for three days. He remained with the investigating agency until Friday, after which he was brought back to Madurai Central Prison at around 6 pm.
Prison sources said Anwardeen was already suffering from several health conditions. Besides paralysis, he had diabetes and high blood pressure and was undergoing treatment. After returning to the prison, he was again admitted to the prison hospital so that his regular medical care could continue. At around 9:30 pm, he reportedly developed sudden cardiac complications and his condition deteriorated.
He was immediately shifted to Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai. He reached the hospital at around 10 pm, but despite medical intervention, he died at approximately 10:40 pm. The prison administration officially informed Karimedu Police Station in Madurai city about the death. The initial assessment is that the death may have resulted from complications arising from his existing health conditions. However, the exact cause will be established after the post-mortem and medical examination.
According to prison department sources, a case will be registered in connection with the death and a post-mortem examination will be conducted as part of the prescribed procedure. Since Anwardeen was in judicial custody at the time of his death, the authorities are expected to follow the applicable legal and administrative procedures. The police and concerned departments may also examine his medical records, treatment history and the circumstances leading to his deterioration.
Anwardeen had earlier sought bail in the case, but a Judicial Magistrate rejected his bail petition on Friday. His health deteriorated and he died only a few hours after the court rejected the plea. The development has brought additional attention to his medical condition, custody and treatment during the investigation.
The Palani Adivaram Police had initially registered the case based on a complaint filed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department regarding the alleged fraudulent registration of Mutt land. The case was subsequently transferred to the CB-CID for further investigation. The agency is now examining the alleged fraudulent registration process, the role of other accused persons and the documentary trail connected with the property.
Earlier, action had also been taken against suspended Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan and others in connection with the case. The investigation is focused on the registration of documents relating to the Mutt land, alleged manipulation of official records and the process through which ownership or rights over the property were allegedly transferred through fraudulent means.
Anwardeen’s death is likely to add another procedural dimension to the ongoing investigation. Police and prison authorities will rely on official records, medical documents and the post-mortem report to establish the circumstances surrounding his death. For now, his death is being attributed to complications arising from his pre-existing health conditions, while the final medical and legal findings are awaited.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
