Mangaluru: Gold and silver ornaments worth around Rs 2 lakh were stolen from the Shree Mahalakshmi Ganapathi temple at Kallapu Bodangila under the Ullal police station limits in the early hours of Thursday, in a theft that has raised questions over security arrangements in the area.

The temple, notably, is located just a few metres from the office of the Mangaluru South sub-division assistant commissioner of police (ACP). The incident has drawn public attention because of the temple’s proximity to the senior police officer’s office and reports that the premises do not have CCTV surveillance.

The theft came to light at around 4:30 am on Thursday when the temple’s head priest, Balakrishna Bhat, arrived at the temple to perform the morning pooja.

Thieves break temple lock

According to sources, the miscreants broke open the lock of the temple to gain entry. After entering the premises, they targeted the valuable ornaments associated with the deity.

The stolen items reportedly include a gold karimani, or mangalsutra, a gold chain, a pendant and a thali. The thieves also took away the silver armour, or kavacha, and prabhavali adorning the idol of the goddess.

The total value of the stolen gold and silver ornaments is estimated to be around Rs 2 lakh.

The theft was discovered when the priest arrived for the morning rituals. The incident was subsequently reported to the police, who began an investigation into the burglary.

Temple located close to ACP office

The location of the temple has become a major point of discussion following the incident. The Shree Mahalakshmi Ganapathi temple is situated only a few metres from the Mangaluru South sub-division ACP office.

The fact that the burglary allegedly occurred so close to the police office has prompted criticism from members of the public over the security arrangements in the vicinity.

Sources said the ACP office reportedly does not have CCTV surveillance. The absence of cameras could make it more difficult for investigators to establish the movements of the suspects and identify the persons involved in the theft.

The incident has also raised questions about security measures at places of worship where gold and silver ornaments are kept.

Fingerprint experts, canine squad inspect spot

Following the complaint, Ullal police registered a case and initiated an investigation.

Fingerprint experts visited the temple and examined the premises for possible evidence left behind by the burglars. A canine squad was also brought to the spot as part of the investigation.

Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the break-in, including the manner in which the lock was broken and the route used by the suspects to enter and leave the temple.

The police are also likely to examine any available surveillance footage from nearby locations, if available, to trace the movements of the suspects before and after the burglary.

Security concerns raised

The temple theft has renewed concerns over the protection of religious places that house valuable ornaments. Such establishments can become targets for burglars, particularly when security systems such as CCTV cameras and alarms are absent or inadequate.

The reported lack of CCTV surveillance near the ACP office has added another dimension to the incident. Residents and members of the public have questioned how the burglars managed to carry out the theft in such close proximity to a police facility.

However, the investigation is still in its early stages, and the circumstances surrounding the burglary are yet to be fully established.

Police teams are working to identify the persons responsible and recover the stolen ornaments. Investigators will also seek to determine whether the thieves had prior knowledge of the temple’s security arrangements or the valuables kept inside.

Investigation underway

The Ullal police have intensified their efforts to gather evidence from the scene. The inspection by fingerprint experts and the canine squad is expected to assist investigators in establishing important leads.

The stolen ornaments, including the gold karimani, chain, pendant and thali, as well as the silver kavacha and prabhavali, remain to be recovered.

The incident has caused concern among devotees and local residents, while the temple’s proximity to the ACP office has made the burglary particularly notable.

Further investigation is underway to trace the culprits, determine how they gained access to the temple and recover the stolen property.