Mangaluru: Thieves broke into the office of the Jogi Math renovation and administration committee located within the premises of Kadri Jogi Math and made away with silver ornaments and cash valued at approximately ₹1.30 lakh. The burglary is suspected to have taken place during the intervening night of January 26 and 27, police said.

Burglars force entry into committee office

According to the complaint, the burglars broke open the main door lock of the committee office to gain entry. After entering the premises, they allegedly forced open an almirah and stole silver ornaments weighing about 511 grams, valued at around ₹90,000, along with cash amounting to ₹40,000.

The total value of the stolen ornaments and cash has been estimated at ₹1.30 lakh. The theft came to light on January 27 morning when a committee member visited the office and noticed signs of a break-in.

Ornaments brought for upcoming festival

The renovation and administration committee oversees ornaments associated with Dhoomavati Daiva and Lord Ganapati. These ornaments are usually kept at the residence of Jagajeevandas at Kadri Mundana for safekeeping.

However, in view of the Dhoomavati Nematotsava scheduled to be held in the second week of February, the silver ornaments of Dhoomavati Daiva and Lord Ganapati had been brought from Jagajeevandas’ residence and stored in the committee office about a week ago. The theft has therefore raised serious concerns among devotees and committee members ahead of the religious event.

Timeline of events before theft detected

Committee president Harinath M and Gopinath Jogi stated in the complaint that they had locked the office and left the premises at around 2 pm on January 26. The office remained closed thereafter.

On January 27 at about 11 am, Dinesh Jogi visited the office and noticed that the front door had been broken open. Sensing foul play, he immediately informed other committee members and complainants. Upon inspection, it was found that the door lock and the almirah lock had been forcibly broken and several ornaments were missing.

Details of stolen Dhoomavati Daiva ornaments

From the bag containing Dhoomavati Daiva’s ornaments, several items were found missing. These include seven out of eight silver gubbes, one out of two silver half-moon-shaped ornaments, one out of two large silver flower ornaments, and one out of two small silver flower ornaments.

In addition, a sandalwood container kept along with the ornaments was also stolen. Committee members said these ornaments are of both religious and cultural significance and are used during important rituals and processions.

Ganapati ornaments also stolen

Further inspection revealed that ornaments belonging to Lord Ganapati were also taken by the burglars. From the cloth bundle containing Ganapati’s ornaments, one out of two silver trunk ornaments was missing.

Three out of four silver bangles worn on Ganapati’s hands, one silver ear ornament and two silver anklets were also stolen. Committee members expressed concern that the burglars appeared to have selectively targeted silver items, indicating a planned theft rather than a random act.

Police register case, investigation underway

Based on the complaint lodged by the committee members, Kadri police have registered a case and taken up further investigation. Police officials said they are examining the scene of crime for clues and are checking whether CCTV cameras in and around the premises or nearby roads have captured any suspicious movement.

Sources said police are also trying to ascertain whether the accused had prior knowledge about the ornaments being temporarily stored in the committee office, as the items had been shifted there only recently in connection with the upcoming festival.

Security concerns at religious institutions

The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of religious institutions and committee offices that store valuable ornaments, especially during festival seasons. Committee members said they would review security arrangements and consider additional measures such as installing CCTV cameras and strengthening locks to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Devotees and local residents have expressed concern over the theft and urged the authorities to intensify patrolling in sensitive areas, particularly at night. They also called for swift action to trace the stolen ornaments, given their religious importance.

Conclusion

The burglary at the Jogi Math renovation and administration committee office has caused shock and disappointment among devotees and organisers, especially with the Dhoomavati Nematotsava just weeks away. As police continue their investigation, committee members hope that the stolen ornaments and cash will be recovered at the earliest, restoring confidence ahead of the important religious event.