Chennai: The Madras high court has made it clear that no one should interfere in the investigation of idol theft case being conducted by court appointed special Idol Wing team headed by Inspector General, A.G. Pon Manickavel.
When the matter came up for hearing before Justice R. Mahadevan on Wednesday, the judge said that none can interfere in investigating or touch the case dairy or any other materials with regard to the investigation being carried out by Manickavel.
Additional Advocate General P.H. Arvindh Pandian, who appeared on behalf of the state government, said that the officer can be called to attend the review meetings conducted by the higher officials and make a submission with regard to the action taken by him in cases related to idol theft.
It was alleged that IG was not submitting any details about the arrests and recoveries made by the team and he refuses to give details stating that he can report only to High Court.
The Judge said “Nobody can make allegations against Pon Manickavel. If any allegations are levelled against Pon Manickavel without any basis the government will face consequences.”
Alleging that the government machinery is not cooperating with the probe, Pon Manickavel has submitted that in the guise of review meetings he has been called to disclose all details with regard to the investigation that is being carried out in the cases.
The directions given by the court are not being implemented properly and the officials who are working under him are being transferred to various places, he had averred.
An investigation officer, in charge of seizure and investigation of 1,000-year old bronze idols of Chola emperor Raja Raja Cholan, was abruptly transferred. Similarly another investigating officer is on medical leave.
He alleged that in the guise of review meetings he has been repeatedly called to produce the files and case diaries relating to the investigation carried out by him.
“We will never permit violating the order of the Court and it will be viewed seriously if violated,” the judge said. Advocate ‘Elephant’ Rajendran submitted that the government has not implemented the directions given by the High Court order and the authorities are dragging matter and waiting for Pon Manickavel to retire from service in November 2018.
Advocate Muniapparaj, who appeared on behalf of some of the temples, has alleged that not only the idols but some temples too are missing.
The Judge said he would pass an order later after going through affidavits filed by all the parties and adjourned the matter to July 11.
