No one can interfere with idol theft cases probe in TN: HC

The Madras High Court today made it clear that no one can interfere with the probe into idol theft cases in Tamil Nadu being carried out by a team headed by a senior IPS officer appointed by it.

The observation was made after the officer submitted that the court's directions over the idol theft cases were not being followed properly and he was being asked to attend review meetings and share case diaries by officials.

"We will never permit violation of the order of the court and any violation will be viewed seriously," Justice R Mahadevan said after hearing IGP Pon Maickavel, appointed by the court to investigate theft of ancient idols of various temples in Tamil Nadu over a period of time.

The court was hearing two petitions seeking transfer of investigation into all pending cases of idol thefts to the CB-CID police.

In an interim order in July last year, the judge had taken a serious view of theft of ancient idols and expressed anguish that the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department, administering a large number of temples in the state, had failed to protect the antique items and other valuables.

Transferring all pending idol theft cases to a court in Kumbakonam for speedy disposal, he had directed Manickavel to continue the probe despite his transfer then from the idol wing police.

During the hearing today, Manickavel complained that under the guise of review meetings, he was being asked by officials to disclose details with regard to the investigations and produce the case diaries.

He also complained that the directions given by the court were not implemented properly and some officials working in his team had been transferred to various places.

Advocate 'Elephant' Rajendran, one of the petitioners, alleged the government had not implemented the directions given by the high court in its July 21, 2017 order and that officials were dragging the matter because they were waiting for the retirement of Manickavel this November.

The Commissioner of the HR&CE R Jaya, who was present in the court, submitted she was not regarded as the chief of the department by the Idol wing police team.

The judge then stated that as the Commissioner of the department, her rights cannot be taken away.

Additional Advocate General P H Aravind Pandian submitted that the IG can be called to attend review meetings held by the higher officials and asked to give details of the action taken by him in the cases related to idol theft.

The judge posted the case to July 11 for further hearing.