A land parcel belonging to a temple in Karaikudi, valued at around Rs 100 crore, has allegedly been sold using forged documents with the help of officials, triggering public anger.
The land is linked to Iluppakkudi Suyamprakaseswarar Temple at Soodamanipuram–Kurichipiravu in Sivaganga district. The temple is among the Nagarathar “nine temples” under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, managed by hereditary trustees on a rotational basis. The temple is said to own thousands of acres within Karaikudi.
While several temple lands have been encroached upon, some occupants are reported to be using plots with temple permission and by paying land tax. In the latest case, about 2.5 acres—previously protected with fencing in the town’s central area—was allegedly sold through fake records, and a patta transfer was reportedly being prepared at the Karaikudi municipal office.
The issue came to light when the alleged buyers began clearing the site with a JCB. Villagers lodged complaints at the taluk office and the police station. Police inspector Ilaiyaraja held talks with both sides and advised the buyers to obtain a court order before carrying out any clearing, citing the complaint that the land belongs to the temple.
The report also recalled that in 2011, during the Jayalalithaa government, four persons had registered documents and obtained pattas for the same land, which were later cancelled after it was identified as temple encroachment, and a case was registered against them.
