Sat Dec 27 12:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
Kerala SIT Confirms Identity of “D Mani” in Idol Smuggling Investigation
Dindigul, Tamil Nadu: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) from Kerala has confirmed that the individual they questioned in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, is indeed the “D Mani” connected to a potential idol smuggling case. The man, who initially claimed his name was M.S. Mani, has been identified as M. Subramaniam, with M.S. Mani being a shortened version of his actual name.
The SIT has also identified Balamurugan as a friend of “D Mani” and plans to question him. While the investigation hasn’t yet uncovered concrete evidence of Panchaloha idol smuggling, the SIT has found indications of a link between Unnikrishnan Potti and D Mani’s associates. Specifically, phone records show contact between Potti and Sreekrishnan, an aide of D Mani.
The investigation intensified after questioning Sreekrishnan, who has a prior record in Tamil Nadu related to an Iridium scam. When questioned, “D Mani” denied knowing Unnikrishnan Potti and any connection to Kerala, a statement police suspect is a tactic to create confusion.
A Non-resident Indian businessman who accused Mani of smuggling of panchaloha idols also confirmed that he identified the D.Mani from Dindigul as the one from the case. The SIT has served “D Mani” with a notice to appear for questioning in Thiruvananthapuram on January 4th and 5th. Police have also searched businesses associated with the businessman. The SIT hopes the upcoming questioning will clarify the mysteries surrounding D Mani and whether idol smuggling occurred.
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