Mangaluru: A theft attempt at Sri Chandramoulishwara Temple in Bellayaru was foiled in the early hours of Monday after security personnel monitoring the CCTV cameras spotted the suspicious activity and immediately alerted the police.
The swift response by the security agency and Mulki police led to the immediate arrest of the suspect, preventing further theft of cash and valuables from the temple.
The arrested person has been identified as Ravi, a native of Virajpet. Police have registered a case against him and launched an investigation into the incident.
Three hundis allegedly broken open
According to the information available, Ravi allegedly entered the Sri Chandramoulishwara Temple premises during the early hours and attempted to steal money from the hundis.
He allegedly broke open three hundis inside the temple. The theft attempt was detected when he was reportedly trying to break open another hundi.
The incident was captured by the CCTV surveillance system installed at the temple. Security personnel monitoring the live camera feed noticed a person moving suspiciously within the premises and allegedly attempting to break open the hundis.
The monitoring staff immediately alerted the Mulki police, enabling officers to respond before the suspect could escape from the spot.
Security upgraded after earlier theft
The temple had reportedly witnessed a theft around a year ago. Following the earlier incident, the temple administration strengthened security arrangements to prevent similar crimes in the future.
CCTV cameras were installed with the assistance of Sign In Securities, a Kundapura-based security agency. A live monitoring system was also introduced, allowing security personnel to keep watch over the temple premises and respond quickly if any suspicious activity was noticed.
The security arrangements proved effective during the latest incident. The live monitoring of CCTV footage enabled personnel to detect the alleged theft attempt as it was taking place rather than discovering it after the suspect had left the premises.
Security staff alert police
In the early hours of Monday, staff monitoring the CCTV cameras observed the suspect allegedly attempting to break open the temple hundis.
Recognising the seriousness of the situation, the security personnel immediately contacted Mulki police and shared information about the suspected theft attempt.
Police personnel rushed to Sri Chandramoulishwara Temple soon after receiving the alert and managed to take the suspect into custody.
The prompt coordination between the CCTV monitoring team and the police prevented the suspect from allegedly continuing the theft attempt and escaping from the temple premises.
The incident highlights the role of live CCTV monitoring in strengthening security at places of worship and other public institutions. While surveillance cameras are commonly installed to record incidents, continuous monitoring can enable authorities and security personnel to intervene immediately when suspicious activity is detected.
Police probe links to earlier theft
Mulki police have registered a case against the accused and are investigating the matter.
As part of the investigation, police are also examining whether the suspect has any connection with the theft reported at Sri Chandramoulishwara Temple around a year ago.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances of the latest incident and gather further evidence. The police probe will determine whether there is any link between the two cases.
The timely alert from the CCTV monitoring team and the quick response by Mulki police played a key role in foiling the alleged theft attempt. The temple’s upgraded surveillance system, installed following the earlier theft, helped security personnel detect the incident in real time and ensured the suspect was taken into custody before further cash or valuables could allegedly be stolen.