Retired temple EO held in connection with idol theft

TIRUCHI

The Idol Wing CID Police on Friday arrested two persons, including a retired temple Executive Officer, in connection with theft of six metal idols from Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple at Pandanallur in Thanjavur district a few years ago.

The accused, A. Ramachandran (63), the retired EO of the temple, and Raja (37), a Head Clerk currently under suspension, were produced before Kumbakonam Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court and remanded in judicial custody.

Police sources said the six idols, including those of Valli, Deivanai and Vinayakar, belonging to a couple of temples at Keezhamanakudi and Srirangarajapuram villages, were kept under safe custody at the Pasupatheewarar temple years ago. The idols used to be taken to the respective village temples during festivals.

The sources said the idols were found missing from the Pasupatheeswarar temple during an audit conducted by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department officials a few years ago.

A complaint was lodged with the police in this connection. The Idol Wing CID Police, which took up the case a few months ago, conducted investigation and arrested Ramachandran and Raja.