Tamil Nadu: CB-CID's Idol Wing Investigations Face Roadblock Due To Dearth Of Officers

Currently, the strength of the idol wing remains at 135

An idol recovered by idol wing on December 2021 | Credit: ABP Nadu

Chennai: The lack of manpower in the elite idol wing of Tamil Nadu CB-CID is leading up to the mounting up of unattended cases. In the past years, the unit recovered idols worth Rs 100 crore but the shortage of staff has hindered the recovery of other idols.

According to a report on IANS, the idol wing recently held an owner of a major antique chain in Chennai and the chain was also spread across important cities of India. However, despite receiving tipoffs on old temple theft cases during the investigation with the owner the wing is unable to take further action due to the shortage of man force. 

The cases are not just within the cities but there are also cases that need to be investigated outside the country especially in the Europe and US. For the investigation, ASP and DSP level officers are required. However, the dearth of officers in the said ranks is hindering the investigation again.

Following this, the idol wing has petitioned the DGP in this regard and sought new induction of manpower into the team.

Currently, the strength of the idol wing remains at 135. However, the idol wing already had 350 people in the force. 

There is also another issue faced by the wing. The officers are expected to produce the culprits at a special court in Kumbakonam, which is far away from the headquarters. 

A senior official said that the people in idol theft racket are powerful and hence the stolen property can be recovered only if they are a step ahead of them. So, only proper documentation and background research will help them to book the accused.

(With inputs from IANS)