State told to give details of action taken against officials in idol theft cases

Justice R Mahadevan, before whom the idol theft cases come up on Monday, passed these directions while perusing the affidavit filled by the Commissioner, HR&CE Department detailing the time frame for building strong rooms in a phased manner to stock antique idols and jewellery belonging to the temple. 

While it was informed that all strong rooms will be built by December 31, 2019, the affidavit noted that it has been decided to urge the Tamil Nadu Police Housing Corporation (TNPHC) to construct a strong room for Arulmigu Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Pandanallur as a pilot project.

The project would involve ascertaining the estimate for the construction with design and location in consultation with Agama, Shilpa Shastra experts and the scope of undertaking the construction, the affidavit added and noted that in case of other temples it has been decided to constitute a committee consisting of chief engineer, PWD, superintending engineer TNPHC, the Principal, Government College of Architecture and Sculpture, Mahabalipuram, superintending engineer, HR&CE Department, regional sthapathy and the special invitee or the person co-opted by the committee. 

The committee with the approval of government will scrutiny the designs, estimates and empanelment of qualified suppliers for supply of materials in the required specifications to avoid delay and that the project does not suffer in quality of the material and workmanship, the affidavit said.

The court was also informed that orders were issued on July 16 for the constitution of committees in each Assistant Commissioners division for undertaking preliminary works for the construction of strong room in accordance with Agama and Shilpha Shastra principles prior to the visit of the Archaeologist for selection of location of strong room within the temple and preparation of drawings of the concerned strong room and detailed estimates. 

The case has been posted for further hearing after two weeks.