Where are the 41 missing files on theft of idols, Supreme Court asks T.N. govt.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (September 16, 2025) questioned the Tamil Nadu government over 41 missing files related to investigations into thefts of idols, observing that it is the responsibility of the State to protect the culture.

“Right from day one, petitions have been filed in the Madras High Court pointing out that 376 idols have been stolen. The details were placed before authorities for recovery. They pointed out that the idols were available in museums abroad. When details were placed before authorities, 41 files went missing. What is the reason behind these files going missing? Where are those files” Justice R. Mahadevan, who was part of a Bench headed by Justice B.V. Nagarathna, asked senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, appearing for the State along with advocate Sabarish Subramanium.

Mr. Hegde said some of the files had been reconstructed. “Has any FIR been registered on those missing files… We will summon the Chief Secretary otherwise. It is the responsibility of the State to protect the culture,” Justice Mahadevan cautioned the State’s lawyers.

Justice Nagarathna said the truth behind the missing files have to be rooted out. “Did fires occur simultaneously in 38 different police stations, destroying the files? Or was there any circular to destroy the files,” she asked.

The hearing was on the basis of a petition filed by advocate Elephant Rajendran seeking a fair investigation into the missing files. In his petition, he alleged the missing files had dealt with the theft of antique temple idols, precious artefacts, jewels and other properties. He claimed the disappearance was the result of a “serious conspiracy” among the higher police officers, the bureaucracy and the idol mafia.

‘Some idols recovered’

Mr. Hegde said 11 FIRs were registered regarding the missing files. Some of the idols have been recovered.

In his petition, Mr. Rajendran had quoted the Madras High Court saying in a 2019 case that “Tamil Nadu is a State known for its majestic temples, its rich culture and heritage. Idols consecrated in its temples have their significance and rich heritage… Some of the idols date back 1,500 to 2,000 years”.