Chennai: The Madras high court on Thursday granted anticipatory bail to the Tamil Nadu chief sthapathi M. Muthiah, who apprehended arrest in connection with a criminal case for hiving off 5.75 kg gold from the Somaskandar idol of the Ekambaranathar temple in Kancheepuram.
Justice R. Mahadevan granted anticipatory bail to Muthiah on the condition that he should surrender before the judicial magistrate-I, Kancheepuram, and execute a personal bond for '50,000 with two sureties each for a like sum to the satisfaction of JM-I, Kancheepuram.
The idol wing, headed by IG A.G. Ponmanickavel, registered an FIR against nine persons, including temple executive officer Murugesan, sthapathi Muthiah, sculptor Masilamani and temple priest Rajappa.
P.L. Narayanan, counsel for the petitioner, contended that the petitioner had no role in the heist and that the CID police has not produced any material evidence to prove his involvement in the case.
The judge granted anticipatory bail to Muthiah on further conditions that he should surrender his passport if any to the JM-I forthwith.
He should appear before the idol wing IG Ponmanickavel every Monday and Tuesday for a period of three weeks and thereafter as and when required.
