Sub-Registrar Justin Manikandan Subramanian, an accused in the alleged fraudulent registration of property worth approximately ₹100 crore belonging to the Dhandayuthapani Swamigal Mutt in Palani, Dindigul district, was admitted to the emergency ward of Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai on Wednesday, 12 August, after complaining of chest pain. The development came on the same day a magistrate court dismissed bail petitions filed by him and a co-accused.

Bail Pleas Rejected

Dindigul Judicial Magistrate Bhakyaraj dismissed regular bail petitions filed by both Manikandan and co-accused Jayaprakash, a document writer-cum-broker. The two had approached the magistrate court on 8 August after the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court rejected their anticipatory bail pleas on 5 August, with the High Court noting that granting anticipatory bail at that stage could compromise the ongoing investigation.

Arrest and Earlier Health Episode

The Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) arrested Manikandan from a residence in the Kodaikanal hills on 6 August as part of its probe into the alleged property fraud. While being questioned at the CB-CID office in Dindigul, he complained of dizziness and was taken to Dindigul Government Medical College Hospital, where doctors detected high blood pressure and recommended hospitalisation. He was subsequently shifted to the intensive care unit of the cardiology department.

Magistrate Bhakyaraj visited the hospital, confirmed Manikandan was under treatment, and remanded him in judicial custody until 21 August. He remained in judicial custody under treatment before being transferred to GRH in Madurai following the latest chest pain complaint.

Jayaprakash, meanwhile, surrendered before the CB-CID in Dindigul on 7 August amid an active search. He was remanded in judicial custody until 21 August and lodged in Madurai Central Prison.

Death of Another Accused Raises Concern

Manikandan's hospitalisation has drawn heightened attention because it follows the death of another accused in the same case — 65-year-old advocate S. Anwardeen. According to reports, Anwardeen died after developing chest pain upon returning to Madurai Central Prison following three days of CB-CID questioning. He had been suffering from multiple health conditions, including paralysis affecting the right side of his body, diabetes, and high blood pressure. He developed chest pain in prison and died while being transported to Government Rajaji Hospital for treatment.

Investigation Continues

The CB-CID probe into the alleged fraudulent registration of the Palani Mutt property remains active. The case involves the alleged illegal transfer of religious institution land valued at around ₹100 crore in Palani town, Tamil Nadu. With two accused now having experienced serious medical episodes in custody — one fatally — the handling of the investigation is likely to face further scrutiny in the coming days.