Bantwal: Antique puja articles valued at around Rs 57,000 were stolen from the Sri Adishakti Ambika Annapoorneshwari Temple at Modankap in Bantwal taluk after unidentified miscreants allegedly broke open the lock of the temple’s main entrance and decamped with several items used for worship.
The theft came to light after temple authorities discovered the broken lock and found several valuable articles missing from the premises. A complaint has since been lodged with the Bantwal Town Police, who have registered a case and begun an investigation.
Miscreants break into temple
According to the complaint, the accused forcibly opened the main entrance of the temple before entering the premises during the night.
After gaining access, they allegedly stole a number of puja articles and utensils used for religious rituals. The stolen property included silver items, an offering bowl, 10 traditional oil lamps, 10 brass water pots, five brass serving trays, one copper vessel, two copper water pots, one copper cooking vessel and several steel utensils.
Temple authorities estimated the total value of the stolen articles at approximately Rs 57,000.
CCTV captures accused leaving temple
The temple’s CCTV cameras reportedly captured visuals of three individuals carrying the stolen articles in a gunny sack while leaving the premises.
The footage is expected to play a crucial role in identifying the suspects. Police are examining the CCTV recordings and collecting other evidence from the scene as part of the investigation.
Officials are also verifying whether the accused had prior knowledge of the temple layout or whether they had surveyed the premises before carrying out the theft.
Police register case
The case has been registered at the Bantwal Town Police Station based on a complaint filed by Sunil Kumar K. N.
Police have launched an investigation to trace the accused and recover the stolen property. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage, gathering forensic evidence and questioning local residents to obtain leads.
Further investigation is underway to determine the identity of the suspects and whether they were involved in similar temple thefts reported in the region.
Investigation underway
Police have appealed to the public to share any information that could help identify the accused or assist in recovering the stolen articles.
Temple authorities have also expressed hope that the CCTV footage and police investigation will lead to the early arrest of those involved and the recovery of the stolen puja items.
The incident has raised concerns over the security of religious institutions, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance and preventive measures to protect temples and their valuable heritage articles.