CHENNAI: Following a Madras High Court order, 17 police officers have been assigned to the Idol Wing CID to ensure adequate manpower to investigate the smuggling of ancient idols from the State’s temples.
The Director-General of Police T K Rajendran issued the order on Saturday directing seven officers in the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police and 10 in the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police to join the idol wing. The high court recently ordered appointment of Inspector-General of Police AG Pon Manickavel as the head of the wing.
The order stated that the officers will report to Pon Manickavel from Monday. Noting the lack of manpower which was attributed to the delay in probing cases, the State police chief appointed the officers to strength the Idol Wing CID. These officers will assist the IGP to investigate the pending cases related to idol theft and smuggling of ancient idols from various temples across Tamil Nadu.
During his previous stint in the idol wing, Pon Manickavel had led the investigation in most of the high profile cases relating to smuggling of idols to several of the museums across the world.
Probe to get a boost
Seven officers in the rank of Additional Superintendent of Police and 10 in the rank of Deputy Super-intendent of Police will join the idol wing. These officers will assist to investigate the pending cases related to idol theft and smug-gling of idols