The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (VAC) Department has arrested A. Suresh Raj, Director of Information and Publicity in Puducherry, for land grabbing in a temple.
The arrest came as authorities are looking into the illegal transfer of land belonging to the Kamatchiamman Temple in Rainbow Nagar.
Suresh Raj was taken into custody after investigators found evidence linking him to the controversial land registration. When he was a Sub-Registrar, he is accused of giving permission for the registration of temple property which was transferred using fraudulent documents.
He was taken to the local court after his arrest and remanded to judicial custody. He has since been sent to the Central Prison in Puducherry as the investigation continues.
The Vigilance Department says the case is about the illegal transfer of land owned by the Kamatchiamman Temple. Police suspect that forged documents and irregular registration procedures were used to shift ownership of the property to private individuals.
The investigation has already led to the arrest of some people—government officials and private persons involved in the transactions. The detention of Suresh Raj and the investigation now looks into whether senior officials at the top level of government directly or in the private sector had any role in the fraud.
Land records, registration files and other official documents are being reviewed to establish the way the disputed property has changed hands, officials said.
Temple properties are protected under law and are supposed to be used for religious and public purposes. Any illegal transfer of such land is a serious offence, and a Vigilance Department investigation is going to be conducted.
Government officials have said they will take action against anyone responsible, regardless of their designation; they have also asked the public to report any information that could help the investigation.
The arrest of a senior civil servant has brought new attention to fraud on land registration of a temple in Puducherry and the security of temple properties. The investigation will be conducted in such a manner that all those who are involved will be identified and any necessary legal action will be taken.
The case is still under investigation and officials say more developments are likely as evidence is gathered. The outcome will help to strengthen transparency and accountability in land registration processes in the Union Territory.
