41 FIR files related to idol theft in Tamil Nadu disappeared; Court seeks response from the government
Supreme Court: The court found that 27 out of 41 files have been traced and new FIRs have been registered in 11 cases. The bench said, the moment you register a new FIR, it becomes a way of defense for the accused.
The Supreme Court termed the disappearance of 41 FIRs in idol theft cases in Tamil Nadu as very shocking. A bench of Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih extended the time till January 31, 2025, to the Secretary, Home Department, Government of Tamil Nadu to file an affidavit and explain the stand of the government.
The bench has also ordered him to remain present online during the hearing. It was pointed out by the court that 27 out of 41 files have been traced and in 11 cases, new FIRs have been registered. The bench said, the moment you register a new FIR, it becomes a way of defense for the accused. How can a new FIR be registered.
Counsel appearing for petitioner Elephant G Rajendran, Advocate GS Mani, argued that theft took place several years ago. The value of idols involved is more than Rs 300 crore in the international market. There is no progress in these cases. This is sheer negligence.
The apex court had, in February 2023, issued notices to the state Home Secretary, Director General of Police, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Commissioner, and Additional DGP heading the idol theft wing. Rajendran has sought a free and fair inquiry into the disappearance of the files and alleged that it is the result of a serious conspiracy between senior police officers, bureaucracy, and idol mafia.
