Ekambareswarar idol case: Sthapathi gets advance bail

Muthiah is among the nine persons, including the temple executive officer Murugesan, sculptor Masilamani and temple priest Rajappa, against whom an FIR has been registered by the Idol Wing CID police. Justice R Mahadevan, who granted the advance bail to Muthaiah directed him to surrender before the Judicial Magistrate-I (JM) of Kancheepuram within a week besides executing a personal bond for Rs 50,000 with two sureties for a like sum.The Judge also directed him to surrender his passport to the JM I forthwith. 

As part of the conditions imposed, Muthaiah was also asked to appear before the Idol Wing IG AG Ponmanickavel, on every Monday and Tuesday for three weeks and thereafter as and when required. Claiming that he had no role in the heist and that the CID police have failed to produce any material evidence to prove his involvement in the case, Muthaiah had moved the court seeking anticipatory bail. It may be noted that when the plea came up for hearing earlier, the public prosecutor strongly opposed the grant of bail prompting Justice Mahadevan to ask as to why the state was opposing the bail application when there is no incriminating evidence against the petitioner and even the FIR has nothing against him. 

However, the prosecutor submitted that the CID was confident of gathering evidences to prove Muthaiah’s involvement in the case and that the statements obtained by the police under section 161 of the CrPC have evidences to prove prima facie case against him.