The Tamil Nadu Idol Wing CID apprehended three individuals for the possession of antique idols and their attempted sale. Acting on a tip, the officers tracked down a broker, K. Balamurugan, who was allegedly trying to sell the idols for a substantial sum. After posing as idol enthusiasts and collectors, the police managed to engage with Balamurugan, leading to the discovery of the Manickavasakar idol.
Subsequently, they negotiated the sale, ultimately learning of the Vinayakar idol’s existence through Balamurugan’s contact, Prabakaran in Chennai. All three individuals were taken into custody during the course of the investigation.