Seven Arrested for Alleged Theft of Chola-era Vishnu Idol Worth Rs 2 Crore

Seven individuals were arrested by the Tamil Nadu Idol Wing CID police for allegedly stealing a Chola-era Vishnu idol valued at Rs 2 crore. The idol, found during a vehicle check, had reportedly been concealed for 12 years. A case has been filed and investigations are ongoing.

Seven men accused of stealing a Chola-era Vishnu idol worth Rs 2 crore have been apprehended by the Tamil Nadu Idol Wing CID police, it was announced on Saturday.

Based on an August 8 tip-off, the Thanjavur Range Idol Wing CID team, led by an Inspector of Police, conducted a vehicle inspection on the Thanjavur-Tiruchirappalli National Highway at Melathiruvizhapatti. The officers discovered a two-and-a-half feet metal Perumal (Vishnu) idol inside a car.

One of the five car occupants, A Dhinesh, 28, from Thiruvarur district, allegedly admitted that his father found the idol while digging near Thozhuvur river 12 years ago. Instead of reporting the find, it was hidden in a cattle shed. Dhinesh and his accomplices attempted to sell the idol for Rs 2 crore following his father's death. With no purchase documents provided, a case was filed and all seven suspects were arrested and remanded on August 9. Their vehicles were seized, and the idol was presented in Kumbakonam court. Investigations are ongoing to determine the temple of origin and identify any additional suspects.