18 sovereigns gold, silver spear stolen from Palani Idumban temple

Dindigul: Police have registered a case after gold ornaments and a silver spear (vel) went missing from the Idumban temple inventory at Palani in Dindigul district.

According to police, a total of 17.75 sovereigns of gold and a silver spear weighing 52g were missing from the temple. The discrepancy came to light after Narasimman, the newly appointed executive officer of the temple, verified the stock after taking charge.

Police said during the verification process, Narasimman discovered mismatch between gold ornaments recorded in the temple accounts and physical gold present at the temple inventory. He then informed temple officials, who lodged a complaint with Palani town police. A case was registered on May 30.

The Idumban temple, located at the foothills of the Palani hills, is an important stop for devotees undertaking a foot pilgrimage or carrying kavadi to the Palani Murugan temple. Devotees traditionally take a ritual bath at Idumban Kulam and offer gold, silver, and cash donations.