Two Vijayanagara-Era Metal Idols Seized Near Thanjavur

– Tanjavur: Idol Wing police (CID), Tamil Nadu, recently seized two Vijayanagara era metal idols from a parked car at Valayapatti in Thanjavur district on the Thanjavur-Chennai national highway. Police arrested four persons, identified as S. Manikantan (41), belonging to Thambikottai Vadakadu of Muthupettai district of Tiruvarur district; K. Ramachandrarn (41) of Vikyayapuram, Tiruvarur; V. Mudilan (36) of Melapandi near Thiruthuraipoondi; and S. Johnson (41) of Edayar, Sankenthi.

A team led by G. Balamurugan of ADSP-Tiruchy and comprising sub-inspector K. Dhandayuthapani, Idol Wing CID, Thanjavur Range and other members found a Maruti Ertiga car with registration number TN 43 Q 5896 parked suspiciously near Valayapatti open ground in Thanjavur-Chennai NH at 10.30 pm on February 6. The police team checked the Vehicle and found two metal idols wrapped in gunny bags. When police questioned the driver and the other person in the vehicle, they were unable to produce any documents or information.

to prove ownership of idols. Further investigation revealed that one Manikandan and Ramachandran, along with their accomplices, had hidden the stolen idols and tried to smuggle them abroad to sell in large quantities.

One of the idols belonged to Sudharsanan (Vishnu), weighing 77,300 kg, 90 cm high and 48 cm wide. However, his front two fingers were damaged and the fire flame part on his head was also cut off. Another idol was Goddess Devi, weighing 35,450 kg, 73 cm tall and 31 cm wide.

Police also seized the car and two bags used to cover the idols.

A case was registered on February 7 on the complaint of idol wing SI K. Dhandayuthapani. Inspector A. Kaveriammal initiated the investigation and both the accused were arrested.

The confessions of accused K. Ramachandran and C. Manikandan revealed the involvement of other accused. Following their confessions, two more defendants, V. Mugilan and S. Johnson, were arrested.

All the four accused were produced before the Kumbakonam Additional Chief Judicial Court. They were taken into judicial custody and lodged in Kumbakonam sub-jail. The special team is trying to ensure the safety of the remaining accused and find the origin of the idols.

Additional DGP, D. Kalpana Nayak, Idol wing, CID, and M. Chandrasekaran, Idol wing, CID, appreciated the police team for their good work.