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The case pertains to the allegation of confiscation of three idols by policemen, including petitioner Kader Batcha, at gunpoint from the owners of the land from which the idols were unearthed at Aruppukkottai in Tamil Nadu and selling the same.
Justice G Jayachandran of Madras High Court on Friday ordered a CBI probe into allegations that retired Inspector General of Police Ponn Manickavel, who headed an Idol Wing-CID special team, colluded with international and domestic idol smugglers.
The judge while allowing the plea filed by suspended DSP Kader Batcha, directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to take cognizance of the representations of Batcha from 2019 and make a preliminary inquiry by appointing an Investigating Officer.
The case pertained to the allegation of confiscation of three idols by policemen, including Kader Batcha, at gunpoint from the owners of the land from which the idols were unearthed at Aruppukkottai in Tamil Nadu. It has further been alleged that these precious idols, were sold by policemen.
Kader Batcha was additional accused in a case pertaining to idol theft. The New Indian Express has reported that a second case against him was registered in 2017 allegedly at the instance of Manickavel. Later, he was arrested in connection with the cases. Batcha had accused Manickavel of colluding with international idol smuggler Subash Chandra Kapoor and domestic smuggler Deenadayalan.
Despite the prayer in Batcha’s plea sought for the CB-CID to register a case against the retired IG, the court ordered a CBI probe considering the far-reaching consequences of the allegations. Referring to the accusations and acts of the two police officials of different ranks, the judge said they were entrusted with responsibility involving the pride and faith of the country.
The court in its judgment has held that the actions of the tainted officers have ramifications on the foreign relations of the country. The judgment further holds that the officers are expected to deal fairly in issues that have serious ramifications on India’s culture, heritage, faith and emotion.
Thus, upon considering the international ramification of the offences, the exchange of allegations by two police officials who had knowledge of idol theft, and noting that an attempt was allegedly made to screen the thieves, the court found it a fit case to be investigated by the CBI.
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