The New Indian Express ·
Emerald Murugan idol stolen from Nadu Palani temple found in quarry, three detained
CHENNAI: Nearly two weeks after an emerald idol, measuring two-and-a-half feet in height, of Balamurugan Dhandayuthapani Swamy was reported stolen from the Nadu Palani temple near Madurantakam in Chengalpattu district, the police recovered it from an abandoned quarry nearby on Sunday and detained three men in connection with the incident.
According to the Chithamur police, the three suspects, all from Ariyalur district, have no previous criminal cases against them. They were questioned on Sunday to ascertain whether others were involved in the theft and whether they had attempted to find a buyer for the idol. The police said they would be produced before a magistrate on Monday after completion of arrest formalities.
As part of the investigation, special teams examined footage from more than 100 CCTV cameras and questioned over 20 habitual offenders.
