SC says 41 FIRs missing in idol theft cases shocking, seeks TN govt's reply
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the Home Department's secretary to file an affidavit and virtually remain present on January 31, 2025, to explain the government's stand
Agencies
Supreme Court of India
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday termed the disappearance of 41 files related to FIRs in idol theft cases from police custody shocking and sought an explanation from the Tamil Nadu government.
A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Augustine George Masih directed the Home Department's secretary to file an affidavit and virtually remain present on January 31, 2025, to explain the government's stand.
The court observed 27 of the 41 files were traced, and in 11 cases, fresh FIRs were filed. "The moment you file fresh FIRs, it becomes a defence for the accused. How can fresh FIRs be registered?” the bench said.
Advocate GS Mani, appearing for petitioner Elephant G Rajendran, said the thefts happened several years ago.
"The idols involved are worth over Rs 300 crore in the international market. There is no progress made in these cases. This is sheer negligence,” he submitted.
The top court issued a notice to the State Home Secretary, Director General of Police, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) commissioner, and the additional DGP heading the Idol Theft Wing in February 2023.
Rajendran has sought a free and fair investigation into the files' disappearance and termed it a "serious conspiracy." The petitioner claimed that it exposed the nexus between the idol mafia and senior police officers and bureaucrats.
