Idol theft cases: Can't take up probe due to shortage of manpower says CBI

Chennai: The CBI has informed the Madras high court that considering the severe shortage of manpower, it cannot take up the investigation in the idol theft cases but it can extend its full cooperation and support to the Special Investigation Team investigating the idol theft cases.

K. Srinivasan, retainer counsel for CBI produced a copy of a communication addressed to him by the CBI, before Justices R.Mahadevan and P.D.Audikesavalu when the petitions filed by advocate Elephant G.Rajendran and social activist Traffic Ramaswamy relating to idol theft cases, came up for hearing on Tuesday.

The communication stated that considering the large number of idol theft cases pending in various stages and also the future idol theft cases likely to come up, and considering the severe shortage of manpower, CBI will extend its full co-operation and support in the matters of extradition of accused, issue of Red Corner Notices and coordinating with Interpol to the Special Investigation Team, investigating the idol theft cases.

When the bench asked as to why the state government ordered transfer of investigation to the CBI without following the procedure, advocate general Vijay Narayan said the state government had received a communication from CBI seeking details of the pending cases to decide on taking up the investigation. But the present communication was not brought to the knowledge of the government, he added and sought time to file counter affidavit. The bench posted after a week, further hearing of the case.