Feature Image Courtesy: Kumudam
In Namakkal district lies Chengapalli Panchayat, a tranquil locale now caught in the midst of a heated controversy. What was once an unassuming plot of land along the Mohanur to Paramathi Vellore route has become the epicenter of a dispute involving ancient idols, a mysterious temple, and allegations of corruption.
The saga began when a resident of Kapilarmalai acquired 6 1/2 acres in the bus stand area of Chengapalli Panchayat, undertaking the task of transforming the land into a house site. As the Pokline underwent repairs, an unexpected discovery was made — a temple-like structure housing idols of Shiva, Vinayaka, and a concealed subterranean temple.
The owner of the Niel estate swiftly decided to dismantle the dilapidated temple structure and remove the ancient idols overnight. This move, however, did not go unnoticed by vigilant villagers, who promptly lodged a complaint with the district collector in November 2023.
Mohanur Tahsildar Janaki took swift action, ordering a halt to any leveling of the land without the involvement of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Despite this directive, reports suggest that the landowners continued their activities, employing 50 tippers to dump sand and level the contested area illegally.
Last week, irate villagers lodged a formal complaint with the Namakkal District Collector, urging immediate intervention. Kamaraj, the individual who filed the complaint, revealed, “Last October, we discovered ancient idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Muruga, and Hanuman. The Tahsildar inspected the site, but no archaeological survey was conducted. Evidence of an ancient temple was found, yet no legal action was taken.”
Kamaraj further alleged the complicity of Chengapalli Panchayat president Nandakumar, a member of the DMK party. “He takes lakhs of rupees and allows them to do this work,” claimed Kamaraj, questioning the government’s reluctance to conduct archaeological research.
The situation escalated when a Sivanadiyar performed a puja at the site, only to meet an untimely demise the following day after the statues were discarded. Villagers now fear the erasure of ancient history and the destruction of the site, accusing officials of accepting bribes to facilitate the construction of flats.
Chengapalli Panchayat president Nandakumar denied any involvement, stating, “I have nothing to do with it. Ask them to buy land. I didn’t do anything.”
At the Mohanur Tahsildar’s office, sources revealed, “The Tahsildar has been transferred in this issue. Money flows into crores of bribes. The Collector himself will not go to the place to inspect. That’s the situation now.”
(With inputs from Kumudam)
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