CB-CID raids multiple locations in Rs 100 crore Palani Temple land registration fraud case

The Tamil Nadu Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) on Saturday conducted searches at multiple locations in Dindigul district as part of its investigation into the alleged fraudulent registration of land belonging to the Sri Dhandayudhapani Swamy shrine in Palani.

The raids targeted individuals and officials suspected of playing a role in the registration of a temple property estimated to be worth around ₹100 crore for a reported value of just ₹2 crore.

According to officials, the searches were carried out at the residences of a suspended sub-registrar, a land broker, and witnesses who had signed the registration documents in Dindigul, Palani and Oddanchatram. The alleged irregularities came to light during a verification by temple authorities, prompting widespread public and political attention.

Following the controversy, the Tamil Nadu Director General of Police transferred the probe to the CB-CID on July 15.

Tamil Nadu Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said the investigation aims to uncover fraudulent registrations involving temple properties and other public lands over the past several years. Authorities have assured that those found responsible for any illegal land transactions will face strict legal action.