Emerald Murugan idol stolen from Nadu Palani temple

A rare emerald idol of Lord Murugan was stolen from the Sri Maragatha Bala Dhandayuthapani Murugan Temple in Perunkarunai village, near Maduranthagam in the Chengalpattu district. The idol, which is approximately 2.25 feet tall and made entirely of emerald, is valued at several crores of rupees and serves as a major attraction for devotees during festivals such as Thaipusam and Sashti.

Despite security measures including three heavy doors, an alarm system, and CCTV cameras, burglars managed to breach the sanctum sanctorum. Investigators report that the intruders disconnected the alarm system and used spray paint to obstruct the CCTV cameras to avoid detection. The theft was discovered on Wednesday morning by temple priests and administrators.

The Sithamur police have launched an investigation, supported by forensic experts who collected fingerprints and other evidence. Two special police teams have been formed to track the suspects and recover the idol. Authorities are investigating whether the crime was the work of an organized idol-smuggling gang.