Madurai Meenakshi Temple Trust Land Scam: FIR Against 19 Over ₹60 Crore Illegal Transfer

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department and the City Central Crime Branch in Madurai filed a First Information Report against 19 individuals for the alleged illegal registration and mortgage of about 1.79 acres of trust property belonging to the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple and Alagarkoil. The land, valued at roughly ₹60 crore, was reportedly transferred in June 2016 by former Madurai North Tehsildar Anbalagan, who removed the temple's ownership from revenue records and issued pattas to private persons.

A complaint lodged by temple executive officer K. Chelladurai and anti‑corruption group Arappor Iyakkam triggered the investigation. Subsequent actions included the suspension of a Village Administrative Officer, departmental proceedings against the former Tehsildar, and a referral to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti‑Corruption. The Revenue Divisional Officer later rescinded the illegal order, restoring the patta to the temple, but a court‑ordered interim stay was issued. Despite the stay, a power of attorney and mortgage deed were registered in 2021, prompting the FIR, which accuses the 19 persons of cheating and criminal conspiracy.