CHENNAI: The investigation into the alleged fraudulent registration of 1.40 acres of land belonging to the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamigal Mutt, valued at nearly ₹100 crore, has widened in Tamil Nadu. The Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) has suspended two more officials from the Registration Department, taking the total number of officials suspended in the case to four. Investigators are also examining whether similar fraudulent land registrations were carried out in other sub-registrar offices.
The CB-CID has suspended Sub-Registrar Balachandar and office assistant Sivasankari after fresh findings emerged during the investigation. Earlier, Dindigul District Registrar Sasikala and former Palani Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan had also been placed under suspension. Manikandan has been named as an accused in the case, while the disputed sale deed was cancelled following a court order.
According to investigators, Balachandar was transferred from Tiruppur to the Palani Sub-Registrar’s Office during the first week of June. He had reportedly kept the registration of the mutt land pending after raising objections regarding the transaction. However, while he was on leave, Justin Manikandan, who was temporarily in charge of the office, allegedly registered the sale deed without carrying out the mandatory scrutiny of the supporting documents.
The CB-CID suspects that after resuming duty, Balachandar was aware of the allegedly illegal registration but failed to report the matter to senior authorities, thereby concealing material facts. Office assistant Sivasankari has also been suspended over allegations that she suppressed information relating to the irregularities and assisted in concealing procedural violations.
Investigators have been questioning Justin Manikandan since July 27. The probe has now expanded beyond the disputed Palani land transaction, with officials examining whether he was involved in similar fraudulent land registrations during his postings at more than ten other sub-registrar offices. If such irregularities are confirmed, the scope of the investigation could widen significantly.
So far, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. Meanwhile, the interim protection from arrest granted to Justin Manikandan by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court is set to expire on Tuesday. Following the expiry of that protection, the CB-CID is expected to decide on further legal action, including the possibility of his arrest. Investigators continue to examine registration records, supporting documents and the role of other individuals who may have participated in the alleged fraud.
Officials said the investigation is focused on determining whether mandatory procedures under the Registration Act were properly followed, whether the authenticity of the submitted documents was adequately verified, and whether any officials deliberately ignored or facilitated procedural violations. The agency is also examining whether the alleged fraudulent registration was part of a larger organised network or involved influential individuals.
Legal experts say transactions involving land belonging to religious institutions and public trusts require strict compliance with statutory procedures and rigorous document verification. Any failure to follow prescribed legal safeguards can result in significant property disputes and substantial financial losses. They emphasise that a thorough investigation, accountability of public officials and prompt legal action against those responsible are essential to protecting public and religious trust properties from fraudulent transactions.
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.
