Investigation Launched into Rs 100 Crore Palani Temple Land Fraud

A high‑level committee of the Tamil Nadu Registration Department and the Crime Branch CID have begun inquiries into an alleged fraudulent registration of 1.4 acres of land belonging to the Dhandapani Swami Mutt Trust at the Palani Murugan Temple. The property, valued at roughly Rs 100 crore, was reportedly registered in favour of a private party for Rs 2 crore on July 6. Officials visited the Palani Sub‑Registrar Office, examined registration records, CCTV footage and questioned staff, while the CID collected documents and conducted searches at multiple locations.

CPI(M) Tamil Nadu secretary P Shanmugam accused a "deep‑rooted conspiracy" involving senior officials, calling for an impartial probe and arrests of those involved. The investigation has led to the suspension of sub‑registrar Justin Manikandan and district registrar Sasikala, with the former granted interim bail until August 4. No arrests have been made so far.