Tamil Nadu Sub‑Registrar Justin Manikandan Arrested in Rs 100‑crore Palani Temple Land Fraud

The Crime Branch‑Crime Investigation Department (CB‑CID) of Tamil Nadu police arrested suspended sub‑registrar Justin Manikandan for his role in the illegal registration of about 1.4 acres of land owned by the Dhandayuthapani Swamigal Mutt in Palani, a property valued at roughly Rs 100 crore. The land was allegedly sold to private individuals Sethupathi and Vellaithurai despite objections from the HR&CE Department, with allegations that Manikandan colluded with a relative of the former trustee, Murugadas, to complete the transaction.

Earlier, the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench had granted Manikandan interim anticipatory bail, but on 5 August the court dismissed his bail petition, noting that most of the registration process had already been completed by his predecessor and his involvement was limited to assigning the registration number. The court also scheduled further hearings on whether the case should be transferred to the CBI, as petitioners claim the investigation may involve government officials. Several other suspects have been arrested, and the probe remains ongoing.