Madurai: The Tamil Nadu government has suspended Deputy Collector-rank officer Anbalagan following his arrest in connection with the alleged fraudulent transfer of a property worth around ₹60 crore belonging to a trust associated with the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and Alagarkoil to private individuals. Anbalagan was serving as Personal Assistant (Land) to the Ramanathapuram District Collector when he was arrested by the Madurai City Police.
The Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner of Revenue Administration (CRA), Chennai, issued the suspension order on August 10. The order was sent by email to the Madurai revenue administration and subsequently served on Anbalagan through prison officials at Madurai Central Jail on Tuesday. He was taken to Rajaji Government Hospital for a medical examination on Tuesday morning, after which the suspension notice was reportedly handed to him in the evening.
Alleged Patta Transfer While Serving as Tahsildar
According to the police, Anbalagan was serving as Madurai North Tahsildar when he allegedly removed the temple’s ownership from revenue records and transferred the patta in favour of Ramaayi Ayyar and eight others on June 24, 2016. The alleged alteration effectively placed the trust property in the names of private individuals.
The case was initiated following a complaint by Chellathurai, Joint Commissioner and Executive Officer of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. The Madurai City Central Crime Branch registered an FIR on July 25. According to the complaint, 19 people allegedly conspired to illegally transfer the trust property through fraudulent patta mutation, registration of documents and mortgage-related transactions.
The investigation is examining how the revenue records were altered and whether the alleged transfer was supported by fraudulent documents or other irregularities.
1930 Will Established Trust Ownership
Police investigation has found that a will registered at the Saidapet Sub-Registrar’s Office in 1930 identifies the Ashoka Vilas Bungalow and its adjoining garden on Alagarkoil Road in Madurai as property belonging to a trust established for rendering services to the temples.
The conditions mentioned in the will reportedly restricted the manner in which the property could be dealt with. It could be leased out, but could not be sold, mortgaged or transferred to another party. Despite these restrictions, the alleged patta transfer was carried out in 2016, according to the police.
After the alleged irregular transfer came to light, the temple administration approached the district administration and raised objections over the ownership recorded in the revenue documents.
Patta Cancelled, Property Restored to Temple
Following the alleged illegal transfer, former Village Administrative Officer Arasan was suspended. Departmental action and an inquiry by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption were also recommended against Anbalagan.
Subsequently, the Revenue Divisional Officer cancelled the order issued by the then Tahsildar and ruled that the disputed property belonged to the trust associated with the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and Alagarkoil. The authority directed that the patta be restored in the temple’s name.
The restoration effectively reversed the disputed revenue entry that had placed the property in the names of private individuals. The temple administration has therefore regained the property’s recorded ownership in the revenue records.
Arrest Leads to Government Action
Anbalagan was arrested by the Madurai City Police on August 4, following registration of the FIR on July 25. The suspension came after his arrest and while the criminal investigation was underway. The Central Crime Branch has so far arrested four people in connection with the case over the past ten days.
Investigators are examining the alleged fraudulent patta transfer, registration of documents and any attempt to mortgage or otherwise deal with the trust property. The authorities are also looking into the alleged role of other individuals named in the complaint.
The suspension marks administrative action against Anbalagan alongside the ongoing criminal proceedings. However, the allegations against him and the other accused remain subject to investigation and judicial scrutiny. They cannot be treated as proven until established before a court. The disputed property, meanwhile, has been restored to the temple trust in the revenue records.
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.
