# Emerald Murugan idol theft in Tamil Nadu

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/emerald-murugan-idol-theft-in-tamil-nadu
> Updated: 2026-09-03T11:43:57.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

A rare emerald idol of Lord Murugan, approximately 2.25 feet tall, was stolen from the Sri Maragatha Bala Dhandayuthapani Murugan Temple in Perunkarunai village, near Maduranthagam in the Chengalpattu district. Despite security measures including heavy doors, an alarm system, and CCTV cameras, burglars breached the sanctum sanctorum by disconnecting the alarm and using spray paint to obstruct cameras.

Sithamur police and forensic experts have launched an investigation to determine if the theft was the work of an organized idol-smuggling gang. In response to the incident, Tamil Nadu BJP leader Nayagar Nagendran has demanded the immediate recovery of the statue and silver items. Nagendran criticized the government led by Chief Minister Joseph Vijay, alleging negligence by the police and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. He warned of major protests if a special task force is not formed to recover the idol.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Tamil Nadu BJP demands recovery of stolen emerald Murugan statue

Tamil Nadu BJP leader Nayagar Nagendran has demanded the recovery of a stolen 2.5-foot emerald Murugan statue from a Chengalpattu temple, accusing the Joseph Vijay-led government of negligence.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tamil-nadu-bjp-demands-recovery-of-stolen-emerald-murugan-statue

### 2026-09-03: Emerald Murugan idol stolen from Nadu Palani temple

An emerald idol of Lord Murugan, valued at several crores of rupees, was stolen from a temple in Chengalpattu district after burglars bypassed multiple security doors and disabled surveillance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/emerald-murugan-idol-stolen-from-nadu-palani-temple

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Cite as: Emerald Murugan idol theft in Tamil Nadu. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/emerald-murugan-idol-theft-in-tamil-nadu