CB-CID officials carried out searches at the homes of people linked to an alleged land registration fraud involving the Thandapani Swamy math in Palani, Dindigul district. The case concerns a 1.40-acre property said to be worth around Rs 100 crore.
According to the report, the land is located on Park Road near the Palani foothills and belongs to the math’s trust. A court order had appointed the Palani Murugan temple Joint Commissioner as the trustee, and the temple administration has been managing the property.
The land was converted into a parking facility for devotees last year. However, on July 6, it was allegedly registered as a sale for Rs 2 crore in favour of two individuals at the Palani Sub-Registrar Office, triggering shock among devotees as the land was under temple control.
Following departmental action, Palani Sub-Registrar (Level-1) Justin Manikandan and District Registrar Sasikala were suspended. The investigation was transferred to the CB-CID, which began searches from around 4 am at Justin Manikandan’s residence on Dindigul Round Road and also at other related locations, including the home of one of the buyers, Vellaithurai of Pappankulam near Madathukulam.
