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DMK Functionary Arrested in Multi-Crore Temple Land Fraud Case
Police arrested M Ramkumar in a case involving temple land in Srirangam.
They allege that forged documents were used to take control of the land in 2022.
The land measures 7,515 square feet and is valued at about Rs 50 crore.
A DMK office was reportedly built on the disputed property.
Five other people, including a former sub-registrar, are also named in the case.
Ramkumar was reportedly traveling to a court hearing about his request for anticipatory bail.
The court rejected that request.
He was then sent to judicial custody.
The minister said anyone involved will face legal action, but the investigation is still continuing.
M Ramkumar, the DMK Srirangam area secretary, was arrested near Panjapur on October 1.
The case concerns alleged illegal acquisition of 7,515 square feet of Sri Ranganathaswamy temple land.
Police estimate the disputed property’s value at approximately Rs 50 crore.
The CCB case names Ramkumar and five others, including former sub-registrar Vanitha.
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed Ramkumar’s anticipatory bail plea, leading to judicial custody.
- Who
- M Ramkumar, the DMK Srirangam area secretary, and five co-accused, including former Srirangam sub-registrar Vanitha, are named in the case.
- What
- Ramkumar was arrested in an alleged forgery, cheating and criminal conspiracy case involving Sri Ranganathaswamy temple land.
- Where
- Ramkumar was intercepted near Panjapur on the Tiruchi-Madurai highway; the disputed property is in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu.
- When
- The CCB registered the case on September 13, and Ramkumar was intercepted and arrested on October 1; the bail decision and custody order followed on October 2.
- Why
- Police allege that forged documents were used in 2022 to illegally acquire temple land valued at approximately Rs 50 crore.
Authorities’ Allegations
Legal Status and Unproven Claims
How the land was acquired
Authorities’ Allegations
Police and the temple administration allege that forged documents were used in 2022 to illegally take control of temple land and that a DMK office was built there.
Legal Status and Unproven Claims
The articles report allegations and charges, not a final court finding that the accused committed the offenses.
Political responsibility
Authorities’ Allegations
HR&CE Minister C Ramesh claimed the fraudulent misappropriation occurred during the previous regime and promised strict action against anyone involved.
Legal Status and Unproven Claims
The articles do not provide a response from Ramkumar, the DMK, or the other accused to the minister’s claim.
Arrest and medical claim
Authorities’ Allegations
The minister said Ramkumar feigned chest pain to avoid remand, while medical examinations found him fit for custody.
Legal Status and Unproven Claims
The reported medical and custody decisions concern the ongoing case and do not establish guilt on the land-fraud allegations.
Key facts
- Arrested
- M Ramkumar, DMK Srirangam area secretary
- Property
- 7,515 sq ft of Sri Ranganathaswamy temple land
- Estimated value
- Approximately Rs 50 crore
- Case registered
- September 13 by the City Crime Branch
- Co-accused
- Five people, including former Srirangam sub-registrar Vanitha
- Court action
- Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed Ramkumar’s anticipatory bail plea
- Current status
- Ramkumar was remanded to judicial custody
Quotes
C Ramesh
Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister
“However, thorough medical examinations confirmed his physical fitness, and he was subsequently remanded to judicial custody.”
deccanchronicle.com
theprint.in
Sources
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