Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Tamil Nadu Probes Alleged Srirangam Temple Land Title Transfer
Officials are investigating a piece of land that a temple says belongs to it.
Minister S. Ramesh said old documents show that the Srirangam temple owned the land.
He alleged that the land was illegally transferred to private ownership.
The property is reportedly being used as a political party office.
The minister said someone used a false police document about a missing deed.
Police have registered a case, and several government departments are investigating.
Investigators will check old land papers and registration records.
Ramesh said people involved could face legal consequences.
He also asked the public to provide evidence about similar temple property encroachments.
Tamil Nadu Minister S. Ramesh said a police investigation began into an alleged fraudulent transfer of Srirangam temple land.
He cited 1866 title deeds, 1910 records, surveys and a 1930 register as evidence of temple ownership.
Ramesh alleged that a local DMK functionary transferred the property into private hands and used it as a party office.
The minister said a fabricated police certificate about a missing original deed was used to bypass registration procedures.
A multi-departmental investigation will examine registration records and possible involvement by officials or influential individuals.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Minister S. Ramesh, police, and multiple government departments are involved; a local DMK functionary is the alleged subject of the investigation.
- What
- An FIR and multi-departmental investigation were initiated into the alleged fraudulent transfer of Srirangam temple property.
- When
- The investigation was announced on Saturday, September 19; the temple had warned the Registration Department about the property in 2020.
- Where
- The property is associated with the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu; the alleged certificate was reportedly obtained from a police station in Puducherry.
- Why
- Officials are investigating alleged illegal title alteration, suspected use of a fabricated missing-deed certificate, and possible collusion involving officials or influential people.
- Investigation status
- An FIR has been registered and a multi-departmental investigation launched.
- Claimed owner
- The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is alleged to be the unconditional owner of the property.
- Historical records cited
- The minister cited an 1866 title deed, 1910 Inam Commissioner Report, land surveys and the 1930 A Register.
- Prior administrative warning
- In 2020, the temple administration reportedly asked the Registration Department to block any sale, transfer or encumbrance of the plot.
- Alleged method
- A purportedly fabricated certificate concerning a missing original deed was allegedly used to transfer ownership.
- Property's reported use
- The land is allegedly being used as a local DMK party office.
- Investigation focus
- Authorities will examine foundational land documents, registration logs and possible involvement by officials or influential individuals.