Palani Math land case: Accused Anwardeen dies in judicial custody in Madurai
S. Anwardeen, an accused in the multi-crore illegal sale of Palani Math land, has died in judicial custody in Madurai following a period of interrogation by the CB-CID. Authorities have ordered a judicial inquiry into his death after he was declared brought dead at the Government Rajaji Hospital.
Why it matters
The death of a key suspect in a high-profile land fraud case involving a prominent temple trust raises significant questions regarding custodial safety and the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
One of the accused in the multi-crore illegal sale of Palani Math land, S. Anwardeen (65), died in judicial custody in Madurai on Friday (August 7, 2026) night. He complained of uneasiness upon arrival at Madurai Central Prison on Friday evening, after being in the custody of the CB-CID for three days while being questioned in connection with the case.
Anwardeen, of Palani, was accused of facilitating the fraudulent registration of the 1.40-acre land and was arrested on July 28. He had been lodged in Madurai Central Prison since then.
He was taken into custody by the CB-CID, which is probing the case, on August 5 for three days of interrogation. After the interrogation, Anwardeen was brought back to Madurai Central Prison on Friday evening.
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