Three Arrested in Land Fraud Case Linked to Palani Murugan Temple

In a significant development, three individuals have been arrested in connection with a fraudulent land deed linked to the Palani Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu CB-CID is investigating the case, which involves the illegal registration of valuable temple land intended for public use. The land, valued at ₹100 crore, was improperly registered under private ownership for just ₹2 crore. The investigation has already led to the suspension of key officials, and the Madras High Court has declared the disputed sale deed invalid. This case highlights serious concerns regarding the management of religious properties and the integrity of land registration processes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2026, 13:19 IST

Investigation into Land Fraud at Palani Murugan Temple

In Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, the Tamil Nadu CB-CID has apprehended three individuals in connection with a fraudulent land deed case involving a monastery linked to the renowned Palani Murugan Temple. Authorities announced the arrests on Wednesday, highlighting a significant breakthrough in the investigation concerning 1.4 acres of land near the temple.

The arrested suspects have been identified as Vellaiyathurai (60) from Tirupur, Anwardeen (65) from Dindigul, and Murugadas (56) from Villupuram district. Based on a complaint filed by Muruganandam, the supervisor of the Palani Temple land department, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged against four individuals at the Palani Adhivaram police station.

The named accused include Justin Manikandan, the joint sub-registrar of Palani, Murugadas, a member of the temple trust, Vellaiyathurai (who purchased the land), and Setupati from Palani Pudhur. They face charges under five sections, including criminal conspiracy and fraud.

Officials revealed that the land was intended for providing free parking services to devotees and is valued at approximately ₹100 crore. Alarmingly, it was registered under private ownership for just ₹2 crore earlier this month.

According to officials, this land was dedicated solely for religious and charitable purposes under a permanent endowment deed from 1888, prohibiting any commercial sale or transfer. Despite this, the land was registered to private individuals on July 6, disregarding explicit written objections from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The state government had previously suspended Justin Manikandan and district registrar Shashikala for facilitating the illegal registration process.

Manikandan has received interim anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court, and recently, he was interrogated for seven hours by the Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID). The investigation was assigned to the CB-CID on July 15, and so far, inquiries have been conducted with around 80 individuals, including several officials. The Madurai bench of the Madras High Court has already declared the disputed sale deed invalid.