HC warns of ordering CBI probe into pending idol theft cases

The Madras High Court today warned the state government that it would order a CBI probe into pending idol theft cases, if the authorities fail to cooperate and provide proper infrastructure to the court appointed idol wing police.
Justice R Mahadevan made the oral observation while censuring officials of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department (HR & CE) for not complying with the court directions to provide necessary infrastructure to the idol wing headed by Inspector General of Police A G Ponn Manickavel.
The judge further said he would summon the state chief secretary and the commissioner of the HR & CE if the orders are not complied within two weeks.

The judge made the oral observation in two separate pleas moved by R Venkataraman and advocate Elephant G Rajendran seeking transfer of investigation of all pending cases of idol thefts to the file of CB-CID.
The court then posted the pleas to January 24 for further hearing.
It had earlier ordered transfer of all pending idol theft cases to a court in Kumbakonam for speedy disposal.
The high court had also overruled the transfer of Manickavel out of the idol wing police and directed the officer to head it again.