Renowned sculptor held for 'irregularities' in making temple

Renowned sculptor Muthiah Sthapathi and another person were arrested in connection with the alleged irregularities in making an idol for the famous Sri Dhandayuthapaniswami temple here in 2004, police said today.

Muthaiah, a Padmashri awardee and a former temple executive officer, KK Raja were allegedly involved in irregularities pertaining to use of gold for making the idol meant to replace the presiding deity, they said.

A decision was taken to replace the presiding 'Nava Bhashana' idol in 2003, which was a conspiracy, the Idol Wing police claimed.

Several devotees had donated gold and other metals for making the idol, which was examined by a team of metallurgists from IIT-Madras recently.

During inspection, the team found the new idol made without the specified quantities including the gold.

While Muthiah was arrested in Chennai, the retired EO was held in Coimbatore last night.