Idol Wing police officers are in hot pursuit of former commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR&CE) Department, P. Dhanapal, who is wanted in the case relating to the replacement of an ancient idol at the Dandayuthapaniswami Temple in Palani.
Last month, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed his anticipatory bail plea.
Following this, chief investigation officer Karunakaran issued summons, asking him to appear for interrogation. But he failed to respond to the summons served at his houses in Chennai and Pudukottai, his native place.
The allegation was that HR&CE officials decided to commission a new golden idol weighing 200 kg to be installed near the moolavar (the main idol), which is made of nine rare metals.
Their agenda was to shift the main idol under the pretext that it was damaged and smuggle it and sell it to a foreign art gallery, sources said. Huge quantity of gold was collected from devotees for casting the new idol. In 2003, ₹60,65,000 was spent on buying gold for the idol as well as the other metals to be used, sources added. Contrary to agama rules, Sthapathi Muthiah was allowed to make the idol at his workshop near Kelambakkam instead of doing it on the temple premises under the supervision of HR&CE officials.
No complaint lodged
Inquiries revealed that the idol was made of only four metals, including gold, and that not even an ounce of silver was used. To the shock of devotees, the newly installed idol turned black within six months and was kept in a dark room. No complaint was lodged with police on the alleged misappropriation.
The offence came to light recently when someone passed on the information to the Idol Wing team, headed by A.G. Ponn Manikavel. Initially, then Executive officer K.K.Raja and Muthia Sthapathi were arrested and later three others.
Police have been looking for Dhanapal. Mr. Ponn Manickavel said, “Summons were served to him and so far he has failed to appear before us for interrogation. We will proceed as per law against the persons who gave shelter to the suspect.”
Idol Wing Police said the attempt of suspect to flee along with family abroad was scuttled. They suspect that he was given shelter by a trusteee of famous temple near Puducherry and a gold merchant.