Chennai, July 23 — AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has announced a major protest at Palani in Dindigul district on 25 July, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged illegal registration of valuable land belonging to the historic Palani Mutt.
Accusing the State government of shielding those responsible, he alleged that the ongoing Crime Branch‑Criminal Investigation Department (CB‑CID) probe lacked credibility and would not ensure a fair investigation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Palaniswami alleged that prime land belonging to the Palani Mutt, estimated to be worth around Rs 100 crore, had been fraudulently transferred through forged registrations.
He claimed the property, which had been under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, was illegally registered in the names of two private individuals after the change in government and the assumption of office by the “Thooya Sakthi” administration.
The AIADMK leader alleged that the registration process was carried out in a highly suspicious manner.
He claimed that a sub‑registrar from another office located nearly 60 km away was temporarily transferred specifically to execute the registration of the disputed property, raising serious questions over the circumstances under which the transaction was completed. Such unusual administrative decisions, he said, pointed to a larger conspiracy involving influential persons.
Palaniswami further alleged that despite the gravity of the case and the value of the land involved, the State government had failed to conduct an impartial investigation.
He contended that entrusting the inquiry to the CB‑CID would not inspire public confidence, as the agency functioned under the State government. Only a CBI investigation, he argued, could uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud, identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
The AIADMK has called upon its cadre and the public to participate in the 25 July agitation in large numbers to demand justice and protect temple properties from alleged encroachments and fraudulent transfers.
Senior AIADMK leader and former minister Dindigul C. Srinivasan will lead the protest at Palani. He will be joined by party office‑bearers, former legislators, district functionaries and hundreds of party workers, who are expected to press for a court‑monitored CBI investigation into the alleged land grab and action against all those involved in the registration of the mutt property.