Palani Temple Land Fraud Probe Escalates Amid Political Outcry

A 1.35‑acre plot at the foothills of Tamil Nadu’s Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, valued at roughly ₹100 crore, was fraudulently registered for just ₹2 crore. The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court declared the sale deed "null and void," suspended the sub‑registrar Justin Manikandan, and ordered an inquiry.

The state’s Central Bureau of Criminal Investigation (CB‑CID) has intensified the probe, conducting raids on the homes of the suspended sub‑registrar, several land purchasers and trust members across Dindigul, Tirunelveli and Tiruppur districts. Officials seized documents, a laptop and bank records. A three‑member high‑level inquiry committee was set up by the HR&CE Department, and the registration department faces departmental and criminal proceedings.

The controversy has become a political flashpoint. Both the BJP and opposition parties, including the DMK and AIADMK, have demanded a CBI probe and accused the Tamil Nadu government of a cover‑up. Former registration minister P Moorthy challenged the allegations, urging the law minister to produce evidence. The investigation continues as the court examines anticipatory bail applications.