Chief Sthapathi seeks anticipatory bail

The bail plea has come after the idol wing police headed by IG A G Ponmanickavel registered an FIR against nine people, including sthapathi Muthaiah, temple executive officer Murugesan, sculptor Masilamani and priest Rajappa in connection with the case. 

Muthaiah contended that he had no role in the matter, and added that the CID police have not produced any material evidence to prove his involvement in the case. 

Justice R Mahadevan before whom the plea came up for hearing on Monday asked the prosecution as to why they were opposing the bail application while there was no incriminating evidence against the petitioner. 

Even the FIR has nothing against the petitioner, the judge added. However, recording the prosecution submission that statements obtained by the police have evidences to prove prima facie case against the petitioner and it has been submitted for the court’s perusal, Justice Mahadevan posted the case to Wednesday for going through the records. 

Also, the judge orally instructed the police not to arrest Muthiah till the anticipatory bail plea was decided.