Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch–Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) has arrested four persons in connection with the alleged illegal transfer of temple land worth nearly ₹100 crore belonging to the Dhandapani Swamy Mutt, which is attached to the famous Palani Temple in Dindigul district. Investigators allege that forged documents were used to transfer the valuable temple property to private individuals despite court-imposed legal restrictions. The agency is also examining the possible involvement of government officials in the alleged fraud.
The arrested accused have been identified as Vellathurai, Anvardheen, Murugadoss, and Sethupathi. According to the CB-CID, the four allegedly played a key role in securing fraudulent ownership records and facilitating the illegal transfer of temple land through forged documents. Officials said the arrests were made after investigators gathered substantial documentary and oral evidence, while the probe remains ongoing.
According to investigators, the disputed property is located on Park Road at the foothills of the Palani Temple and belongs to the Dhandapani Swamy Mutt. The land is estimated to be worth around ₹100 crore. Authorities allege that despite existing court orders restricting any transfer, forged records were prepared to facilitate the illegal registration of the property in the names of private individuals. The alleged fraud came to light after a complaint prompted the CB-CID to launch a detailed investigation.
During the investigation, the agency examined the role of several individuals and departments. Those under scrutiny include former Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan, Murugadoss associated with the temple trust, Vellathurai from Pappankulam in Tiruppur district’s Udumalpet region, Sethupathi of Palani, and officials from the temple administration, the Revenue Department, and the Registration Department. Investigators are also looking into whether any government officials facilitated or overlooked the alleged illegal transfer of the temple property.
The CB-CID said it has questioned 82 individuals so far as part of the investigation. Those examined include litigants connected with the court proceedings, document registration officials, vendors, beneficiaries of the land transactions, witnesses, brokers, clerical staff, and administrative personnel. Investigators have also collected extensive documentary and oral evidence to establish the alleged conspiracy and trace the sequence of events that led to the disputed ownership transfer.
Officials stated that cases had already been registered against the four principal accused. Following the collection of additional evidence, the agency formally arrested Vellathurai, Anvardheen, Murugadoss, and Sethupathi. All four are expected to be produced before the jurisdictional court as further legal proceedings continue.
The investigating agency is now working to determine whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged land fraud. Particular attention is being paid to the possible role of government officials in approving or facilitating property registrations based on forged documents. Investigators have not ruled out further arrests if fresh evidence emerges during the course of the probe.
Experts familiar with land and property fraud say that cases involving the illegal transfer of land belonging to religious institutions, charitable trusts, and public bodies have become increasingly common. Such frauds often involve forged ownership records, fabricated documents, and the misuse of registration procedures to obtain control over valuable properties. They stress that regular digitisation of land records, strict verification of documents, and stronger safeguards in the registration process are essential to prevent such offences.
The CB-CID is continuing its investigation into the financial transactions, authenticity of documents, involvement of public officials, and the wider conspiracy behind the alleged land grab. Officials believe the ongoing probe could uncover additional individuals connected to the high-profile temple land fraud and expose the full extent of the alleged criminal network.
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.
