In a significant breakthrough, the Idol Wing CID of the Tamil Nadu police has successfully recovered a metal idol of Lord Manickavasagar that was brazenly stolen from a revered temple in Madurai district back in 2021. This recovery marks a crucial step in combating heritage crimes and restoring invaluable artifacts to their rightful place.
The operation unfolded after law enforcement received precise intelligence. A specialized team swiftly acted on this information, intercepting a motorcycle near Sellampatti, close to Usilampatti in Madurai district. On the vehicle, they found A. Kasimayan from Paappapatti, who was in possession of the exquisite idol, weighing approximately 3.5 kilograms.
During interrogation, the accused, Kasimayan, confessed to his involvement in the 2021 theft. He revealed that he, along with his accomplices, had stolen the idol from the historic Meenakshi Temple in Anaiyur. Following his confession, Kasimayan and his associate Thavasi, who was reportedly waiting nearby, were promptly arrested. Authorities also seized the motorcycle used in the audacious crime, according to an official press release.