The Madurai City Central Crime Branch (CCB) has registered an FIR against 19 individuals in connection with the alleged illegal transfer of a 1.79-acre property worth approximately ₹60 crore belonging to a charitable trust associated with the historic Meenakshi Temple.
According to officials, the accused allegedly conspired to take control of the temple trust property through fraudulent land transfers, forged registrations and mortgage transactions, despite legal restrictions and court proceedings concerning the land.
Property Linked to Historic Temple Trust
The case stems from a complaint filed by Meenakshi Temple Joint Commissioner and Executive Officer Sellathurai, along with anti-corruption organisation Arappor Iyakkam.
As per the complaint, a will registered in 1930 at the Saidapet Sub-Registrar’s Office declared that the Ashoka Vilas bungalow and its adjoining garden on Alagar Kovil Road were assets of a charitable trust established for the benefit of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and the Alagar Temple.
The will reportedly permitted the property to be leased but specifically prohibited its sale, mortgage or transfer of ownership.
Alleged Illegal Patta Transfer
Investigators allege that on June 24, 2016, the then Madurai North Tehsildar unlawfully removed the temple’s ownership from official revenue records and transferred the land patta to nine private individuals.
Following complaints, the Revenue Divisional Officer cancelled the order, reaffirmed the trust’s ownership of the land and directed that the patta be restored in the temple’s name.
The dispute also reached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which granted interim relief in the matter.
Fresh Registrations Despite Court Proceedings
The FIR alleges that despite pending legal proceedings, a General Power of Attorney (GPA) was registered on April 16, 2021, at the Murappanadu Sub-Registrar’s Office in Thoothukudi district.
Based on the GPA, investigators claim a mortgage deed was subsequently registered on July 19, 2021, at the Vadamadurai Sub-Registrar’s Office in Dindigul district.
Authorities allege these transactions were executed in violation of court orders and existing legal restrictions governing the trust property.
Fraud and Conspiracy Charges
According to investigators, the accused acted together to facilitate fraudulent land transfers, register documents that were allegedly not legally permissible and create mortgage transactions over the disputed temple trust land.
The Madurai City CCB has registered the case under Sections 318(4) (cheating) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Officials have confirmed that further investigation into the alleged land grab is underway.
FAQs
1. What is the Meenakshi Temple land grab case?
It is an alleged fraud involving the illegal transfer of a 1.79-acre temple trust property in Madurai valued at around ₹60 crore.
2. How many people have been named in the FIR?
The Madurai City Central Crime Branch has registered an FIR against 19 individuals.
3. Who owns the disputed property?
According to the complaint, the property belongs to a charitable trust associated with the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple and the Alagar Temple.
4. What are the allegations in the case?
Authorities allege fraudulent patta transfers, forged property registrations and illegal mortgage transactions to usurp the trust land.
5. Why is the 1930 will important?
The will reportedly states that the property could only be leased and could not be sold, mortgaged or transferred.
6. What action did revenue authorities take?
The Revenue Divisional Officer cancelled the alleged illegal patta transfer and ordered restoration of the land records to the temple trust.
7. Was the matter before the High Court?
Yes. The dispute reached the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, which granted interim relief.
8. Which police agency is investigating the case?
The investigation is being carried out by the Madurai City Central Crime Branch (CCB).
9. Which legal provisions have been invoked?
The FIR has been registered under Sections 318(4) (cheating) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
10. Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. Authorities have stated that further investigation into the alleged land grab is in progress.
