By Sivaramakrishnan Parameswaran BBC Tamil Service

	The idol went missing in 2006 in Muttur

The idol was seized from an individual while he was trying to sell it according to Tamil Nadu Police. The statue believed to be 300 years old is considered priceless.

The trustee of the “Verugalampathi Chitira Velayutha swamy Temple” told BBC Tamil Service that they strongly believe the said idol was stolen from that temple.

The Murugan Idol was stolen during the violence which happened in Muthur in 2006 according to the trustee Mr.Chidambaram Pillai.

He says the idol was missing from the Sanctum Sanctorium of the temple referred to as “Little Kathirkamam” and it was duly reported to the GA and the Police Officials at that time.

According to the History of the temple it was constructed Three Hundred years ago by one Nallainatha chettiar from India.

The temple was also consecrated by him with the financial support from the King of Kandy says the temple trustee.

BBC helps tracing the idol

He says that after BBC Tamil Service broadcast and the subsequent publication of the idol's photo in its website, the temple made their claim to the TN government.

The striking similarities of this idol and and the one in the temple has made the claim of the temple stronger, says the trustee.

Mr.Chidambaram Pillai also says that they have written to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister seeking his support to get the idol back.

The Deputy Inspector of the Tamil Nadu Police( Idol Theft Wing) Arumugam had told the BBC Tamil Service earlier that the idol from Sri Lanka was 300 Years old according to archelogical experts.