HRCE

The artefacts include centuries-old stone sculptures, idols, stone pillars, wooden artefacts, 'Vahanas' or ritual vehicles, and other antiquities. They have been lying in the premises of CBI-CID's Economic Offences Wing in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu villagers protest HR&CE department's decision to take over three temples, reject allegations of misappropriation of temple fund

The idols are made of Ashtadhadu and are believed to be worth crores in international markets.

IG Pon Manickavel is due to retire in November.

HRCE officials have claimed that they are being unfairly targeted by the Idol Wing of the Police.