In a startling revelation, a probe by police and investigative insights from vlogger Maridas have uncovered a dangerous trend in Telangana, where a gang systematically targets individuals with no legal heirs or trustees of Hindu and Sai Baba temples for their assets and wealth. This alarming development suggests the gang operates with the tacit support of the ruling party in the state.
Maridhas, in a detailed video, exposed how the properties of the late Kalyani, an issueless woman, were expropriated by individuals linked to the Dravidianist group (D Stock), raising serious suspicions about the involvement of Karunakaran, a local temple manager. According to Maridhas, “The sale deed dated May 27, 2024, was allegedly executed with the help of Ravikumar from Thoothukudi, who claimed to have a power of attorney from the deceased Kalyani.”
Maridhas further elaborated that Kalyani inherited her father’s property, using part of it to build a temple while leasing the rest. However, the power of attorney document purportedly executed between Ravikumar and Kalyani in May 2024 states that the property belonged to one Balasundaram, inherited in 1982. Intriguingly, the witnesses to the power of attorney came from various places—one from Kanchipuram, another from Vizhupuram, and a third who was just 19 years old.
The vlogger alleges that this episode is part of an elaborate conspiracy orchestrated by Murali, also known as ‘Comrade’ Ilango, to seize the properties of the deceased woman. The Dravidianist gang is accused of forging documents to sell portions of her property and planning to sell the remainder.
Police investigations revealed a plot linked to the mysterious death of Kalyani, a former teacher and spiritualist who built a Sai Baba temple in Pozhichalur, Chennai. Kalyani, an orphan with no heirs, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in March 2022. Her body, discovered in a decomposed state after nearly ten days, showed signs of a break-in, with missing documents, money, jewels, and even a water motor.
Karunakaran, the temple manager who reported her death, is a DMK member linked to Murali, a prominent figure in the Dravida Iyakka Tamilar Peravai (Dravidian Movement Tamils Association). Karunakaran had a prior arrest in July 2020 for possessing 5 kg of ganja.
The ongoing police probe, backed by Maridas’ revelations, indicates that gangs systematically identify and target individuals like Kalyani—unmarried, childless, and financially independent—who own or patronise temples. These gangs allegedly create fake documents and power of attorney papers to transfer or sell the deceased’s properties, aiming to gain both the assets and control over the temples, which they let deteriorate over time.
This scandal recalls the DMK’s history of land grabbing, which contributed to their loss in the 2011 elections and prompted Jayalalithaa’s government to establish special courts to address such issues. As these land grabs reemerge in new forms, the current government faces increasing scrutiny and criticism.
Maridhas’ exposé has sparked widespread outrage, highlighting the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals and their properties from such nefarious activities. The TN police continue to investigate, and the public awaits further developments in this unfolding saga of greed and exploitation.
