Three Virgin Mary idols damaged in Tamil Nadu

KODAIKANAL (Tamil Nadu): Miscreants damaged three idols of Virgin Mary, said to have been transported from Rome to this hill station nearly 90 years ago, here on Tuesday, police said.

According to police, villagers found the damaged idols and reported the matter.

While one of the idols was housed in a roadside steeple at the entry point of this "Queen of the Hills", the other two icons were inside a Christian-owned primary school, eyewitnesses said.

Cases have been registered and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the culprits, police added.

Of the earlier five instances of attacks on Christian properties during the past month, two suspects belonging to the same religion were arrested after they admitted committing offences due to personal grudges.

Situated some 400 km south of Tamil Nadu capital Chennai, this hill station is known for several residential educational institutions run by Christian organisations.

Following attacks on Christian properties in Karnataka and Orissa, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had warned of stern action against those attacking places of worship.

Special security measures have been provided to all places of worship in the state to prevent untoward incidents, police added.