Date:01/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/01/stories/2008070159470400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Five idols stolen from temples seized, two persons arrested

Staff Reporter

Initiative taken to put up wireless alarm devices in seven temples

Photo: S. Thanthoni

GRAND SEIZURE: The idols seized by the Idol Wing of the police displayed at a press briefing in Chennai on Monday. —

CHENNAI: Five panchaloka idols stolen from temples near Chidambaram and Erode were seized by the police. Two persons have been arrested on charges of stealing and attempting to sell the idols worth Rs.50 lakh.

Addressing presspersons here on Monday, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Idol wing CID, R. Arumugam said the accused R. Sathi Subramaniyasami of Coimbatore district was arrested near Koyambedu in Chennai on Monday for stealing ‘Deiwani’ and ‘Kulandhai Krishnan’ idols from the Kumaran temple in Erode district. He was remanded before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate, Egmore.

The police team had earlier arrested P.Pichaimani at Kumbakonam for stealing the ‘Perumal’, ‘Boodevi’ and ‘Sridevi’ idols from the Veeraraghava temple in Chidambaram taluk. Following information about the stolen idols kept in a secret place, the special team had set a trap for the accused, pretending to be a buyer, he said.

While Pichaimani was lodged in Central Prison, Tiruchi, search operations are on for two more persons, Gangachalam and Paramasivam, in connection with the case.

Mr.Arumugam said 21 stolen idols worth Rs.2 crore had been recovered in Virudhunagar, Thanjavur, Dindigul, Theni, Nagapattinam and Namakkal districts so far.

In an attempt to ensure security in temples, the Idol Wing has taken initiative to put up wireless alarm devices in seven temples, including Marundeeswarar Temple at Thiruvanmiyur, Kapaleeswarar Temple at Mylapore and Madurai Meenakshiamman Temple, in association with the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Mr. Arumugam said.