PALANI: The Palani Adivaram police have registered an FIR and launched an investigation into the alleged fraudulent registration of a 1.4-acre land parcel worth around Rs 100 crore belonging to the Arulmigu Dhandayudapani Swami mutt in Palani in the names of two private individuals.The FIR was registered based on the complaint by a trustee of the mutt. “We have registered cases under five sections for cheating, forgery and other sections of BNS. A team led by Adivaram Police Inspector Kavitha and a sub-inspector visited the Palani Sub-Registrar’s Office and examined the circumstances under which the sale deed was registered. They also questioned officials and staff of the registration department and scrutinised documents connected to the transaction,” said a police officer.They have sought additional records relevant to the transaction and said further legal action will be taken after examining the documents. The temple administration had on Friday filed a complaint at the Palani Adivaram police station against four persons. The complaint alleged that the land belonging to the mutt was illegally registered in favour of private individuals in violation of court orders.Meanwhile the registration department said that it will be not be able to cancel a registered deed. “We are waiting for police reports. Following this we will take action,” said a senior offficial.The disputed property, located at the foothills of the Palani temple, has been at the centre of a legal battle over the past few days. It is being used as a parking lot for devotees who visit the Dhandayudapani temple. The complainant alleged that a group fabricated the documents and falsely claimed rights over the property. The temple administration maintained that it belongs to the Dhandapani Swami mutt and that multiple court orders prohibit its alienation. The administration of the mutt has also urged the Inspector General of Registration to cancel the registration of a sale deed alleging that the transaction was carried out in violation of multiple court orders and despite repeated objections from the temple administration.The land is situated in Ward No. 3 of Palani town and corresponds to the erstwhile Survey Nos. 998 and 999. According to the representation, the land was dedicated to the mutt through a charitable settlement deed executed in 1888. The deed states that the property was intended exclusively for the maintenance of the mutt, conduct of religious activities and service to devotees, and could not be sold or transferred as private property.
