The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch–Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID) has intensified its investigation into the alleged fraudulent registration of 1.35 acres of land belonging to the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Mutt, valued at approximately ₹100 crore. Investigators allege that the property was registered for just ₹2 crore on the basis of forged documents despite existing court orders. Several officials from the Revenue Department and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department are being questioned as part of the probe.
The investigation is being conducted at the CBCID office in Dindigul under the supervision of District Superintendent Sajitha. Officials from the Palani HR&CE Department, the Temple Lands Division, the Revenue Department, including the Tahsildar and other authorities, have been questioned. The agency is closely examining registration records, revenue documents and the entire land registration process.
The case originated from a complaint filed by S. Muruganandam, Superintendent of the Palani Temple Lands Division. Based on the complaint, the Palani Adivaram Police registered a criminal case against Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan, alleged fake trust member Murugadas and several others on charges including criminal conspiracy, fraud and forgery. The Tamil Nadu government later transferred the investigation to the CBCID.
After taking over the case, the CBCID registered a fresh FIR and expanded the scope of the investigation. Officials are attempting to determine how the forged documents were prepared, verified and registered, and whether public officials or other individuals played a role in facilitating the alleged fraud.
Meanwhile, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has also passed a significant order in the matter. A Division Bench declared the disputed sale deed relating to the 1.35-acre property null and void, overturning an earlier Single Bench order that had directed the Sub-Registrar to register the document if it appeared to be in order.
Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan, who registered the disputed sale deed, has already been suspended. He has approached the High Court seeking anticipatory bail, claiming that the registration was carried out in compliance with a court order. Investigators are examining the validity of this defence as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The Mutt administration has alleged that it was not made a necessary party to the original writ proceedings and that the case was decided without giving it an opportunity to present its arguments. It further contends that the property was wrongly projected as belonging to a private trust, whereas it is a religious endowment owned by the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Mutt and cannot legally be sold or transferred as private property.
According to the Mutt, it had lawful possession of the disputed land and the registration of the sale deed violated multiple judicial orders as well as statutory provisions. The institution had also sought cancellation of the sale deed by the Inspector General of Registration on these grounds.
Investigators said the land is located in Ward No. 3 of Palani town and corresponds to the former Survey Nos. 998 and 999. The property was dedicated to the Mutt through a charitable settlement deed executed in 1888, which expressly states that the land is to be used exclusively for the Mutt’s maintenance, religious activities and service to devotees, and cannot be sold or transferred as private property.
The CBCID is now examining the authenticity of the documents, changes made to revenue records, the registration process and the alleged conspiracy involving all individuals connected with the transaction. If the allegations are substantiated, further legal action is expected against the officials and other accused persons involved in the case.
