The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CBCID) has filed a chargesheet against five people, including suspended sub-registrar Justin Manikandan, in connection with the alleged fraudulent registration of land worth ₹100 crore belonging to the Dhandapani Swamy Mutt in Palani, Dindigul district, as reported in Dinamalar.
The land, located at the foothills of the Palani temple, was allegedly fraudulently registered in the name of private individuals.
The CBCID had arrested eight people in connection with the case, including Justin Manikandan (48), Murugadas (56), a trustee from Villupuram; Vellathurai (60), a land purchaser from Pappankulam in Tiruppur; Sethuapathi (67), from Palani; advocate Anwardeen (65); document writer Jayaprakash (38), from Oddanchatram; junior assistant Sivasankari (46), from the sub-registrar’s office; and advocate Sivakumar (36), from Virupatchi, who allegedly prepared a forged document.
Anwardeen died at Madurai prison on August 7 due to health complications. Criminal proceedings against him were subsequently dropped.
During the investigation, the CBCID collected alleged forged documents, computers, CCTV footage, mobile phone call records and records from the Revenue Department, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department and Registration Department. Investigators also recorded witness statements and questioned the accused in police custody.
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